Dick Durbin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Dick Durbin.

Richard Joseph "Dick" Durbin is the senior United States Senator from Illinois, serving since 1997. A Democrat, he has been the Senate Democratic Whip since 2005, and Senate minority whip since 2025. He previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2021 to 2025, where he notably led the Ketanji Brown Jackson Supreme Court nomination hearings. Durbin is currently serving his fifth Senate term.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1982: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 1982, Dick Durbin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the Springfield-based 20th congressional district.

1982: Won Election to the 20th Congressional District

In 1982, Dick Durbin won the Democratic nomination for the 20th congressional district, defeating Paul Findley.

1988: Tobacco Bill Passed as Part of Transportation Spending Bill

In 1988, the bill introduced by Dick Durbin, banning cigarette smoking on airline flights of two hours or less, passed as part of the 1988 transportation spending bill.

1989: Congress Bans Smoking on Domestic Flights

In 1989, Congress banned cigarette smoking on all domestic airline flights, following the initial bill introduced by Durbin.

1994: Re-election to the House

In 1994, Dick Durbin won re-election, though he received a smaller percentage of the vote than in previous elections.

1996: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1996, Dick Durbin defeated Pat Quinn to become the Democratic nominee and then defeated Al Salvi in the general election to be elected to the U.S. Senate, replacing Paul Simon.

2002: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 2002, Dick Durbin was re-elected to the U.S. Senate by at least 10 points.

2006: Rated Most Liberal U.S. Senator

In 2006, the National Journal rated Dick Durbin as the most liberal U.S. senator.

2008: Re-elected to U.S. Senate

In 2008, Dick Durbin was re-elected to the U.S. Senate by at least 10 points.

2013: Received Nancy Pelosi Award for Immigration & Civil Rights Policy

In 2013, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center presented Dick Durbin with the inaugural Nancy Pelosi Award for Immigration & Civil Rights Policy for his leadership on the DREAM Act.