Politics
Sen. Dick Durbin on Texas Democrats, the War in Gaza and His Upcoming Retirement
The FBI has agreed to cooperate with Texas law enforcement to locate more than 50 lawmakers who have fled the state for Illinois and New York. The Democratic lawmakers left Austin to block an effort to redraw state congressional maps that would create five more Republican-leaning districts — per President Donald Trump’s request.
The turmoil comes as the U.S. looks ahead to 2026 midterm elections.
And Illinois braces for change as U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is set to retire after five terms in the Senate.
The longtime Democratic lawmaker sat down with WTTW News’ “Chicago Tonight” for a wide-ranging interview Thursday — weighing in on everything from gerrymandering and Trump to the future of the Democratic Party.
On Texas Democrats:
“They are the minority in the legislative setting there, and so they have to appeal based on the rules, and the rules on making a quorum require their presence. So they’re using one of the few tools they have.”
On gerrymandering:
“Let me be candid with you, it is a partisan process in our state and … when you look at the other states, there are about eight of them where it isn’t. So the question is, when are we going to wave the white flag and say we’re going to go to an independent commission? But all the red states can continue to choose political maps? I wouldn’t support that.”
On Israel and Palestine:
“I believe in Israel, I believe it has a right to exist and defend itself, and that’s been my position throughout my career, but what we’re seeing in Gaza is horrific and unacceptable and violates the rules of war. As far as I’m concerned, using starvation as a weapon of war is against the rule of law, and I think we should be very vocal in opposing Netanyahu’s efforts.”
On the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’:
“The major issue is health care and the belief that the president’s big, beautiful budget was a disaster when it came to health care. To think that 15 million Americans are going to lose their health insurance, to think that the cost of medical care and health insurance is going to go up for so many others, that we’re going to lose hospitals, we’re going to lose clinics in the process, that nursing homes are going to be unable to stay open.”
On public media:
“We need more independent voices speaking to the American people. … I think the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has proven itself reliable over the years. I don’t believe it’s partisan. Perhaps the other side does, but to say that we’re going to quiet this voice and give fewer options for information to the American people is just plain wrong.”
On retirement:
“I’ve served longer as an elected U.S. senator in Illinois than anyone in history. I’m honored to have had that opportunity. … You notice that age takes its toll on many people. I want to walk out the front door of this job rather than being carried out the back door, and I think this is the time to do it.”
On criticism of the Democratic Party:
“I think we’ve got to define ourselves more clearly. And I take that criticism that’s constructive. It’s saying to us, ‘Step up and tell us what you believe in, tell us what you’re going to fight for, and we’ll decide if it’s consistent with our family’s values.’”
