Illinois Senator and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL 9) have both decided not to seek reelection in 2026.

Durbin, 80, has served in the U.S. Senate for 44 years, focusing on key Democratic issues such as immigration, anti-smoking, and the federal justice system, The New York Times reported. Schakowsky, 80, has served the 9th District for 27 years and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, according Schakowsky’s government website.

Their retirement leaves two rare seats up for election in traditionally Democratic Illinois.

U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL 14), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8), and Robin Kelly (D-IL 2), as well as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, have already shown strong interest in replacing Durbin, The New York Times reported. To replace Schakowsky, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), and TikTok influencer Kat Abughazaleh have all shown interest,The Chicago Tribune reported.