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Overview

Community

Analysis

Personal Background

Dick Durbin graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and its Law Center, subsequently practicing law in Illinois. He gained legislative experience as legal counsel to the Lieutenant Governor and the Illinois State Senate Judiciary Committee. Before entering politics, Durbin co-owned a pub and unsuccessfully ran for state Senate and lieutenant governor. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly two decades, focusing on policy and legislative work. Durbin's career reflects a transition from private sector involvement to public service, culminating in his long-standing role in the U.S. Senate.

Political Ideas

Dick Durbin's political identity is marked by a distinctive blend of progressive advocacy and strategic bipartisanship. He champions progressive health care reforms while simultaneously securing federal investments for Illinois infrastructure. Durbin’s legislative record reveals an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on criminal justice reform, showcasing a highly calculated approach to achieving policy goals. His consistent advocacy for gun control and immigration reform, coupled with fierce opposition to discriminatory policies, highlights a commitment to social justice that is both principled and pragmatically nuanced.

Campaigns

2020: U.S.A. Senate

ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. Senator from Illinois

3,278,930 votes (54.93%)

Win

Position Details

Committee Membership

Appropriations

Member

Subcommittee on Department of Defense

Member

Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies

Member

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development

Member

Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government

Member

Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

Member

Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Member

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Member

Subcommittee on Commodities, Derivatives, Risk Management, and Trade

Member

Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, and Food Safety

Member

Judiciary

Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism

Ranking Member

2014: U.S.A. Senate

ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. Senator from Illinois

1,929,637 votes (53.55%)

Win

2008: U.S.A. Senate

ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. Senator from Illinois

3,615,844 votes (67.84%)

Win

2002: U.S.A. Senate

ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. Senator from Illinois

2,103,766 votes (60.33%)

Win

1996: U.S.A. Senate

ELECTED

Election History

U.S.A. Senator in Illinois, 1996

2,384,028 votes

Win

United States Senate election in Illinois

2,341,744 votes (54.32%)

Win

1996: Illinois State Senate

ELECTED

Election History

United States Senate election in Illinois – Democratic primary

512,520 votes (64.87%)

Win

1994: U.S.A. House of Representatives

ELECTED

Election History