Dick Durbin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Dick Durbin is a prominent American politician and the senior U.S. Senator from Illinois, serving since 1997. A Democrat, he has been the Senate Democratic Whip since 2005, holding the record as the longest-serving Democratic whip since 1913. He also served as the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2021 to 2025. Notably, Durbin led the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson.

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 Democratic Nomination

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

1988: Passage of bill banning smoking on short airline flights

In 1988, a bill banning cigarette smoking on airline flights of two hours or less passed as part of the transportation spending bill, after Durbin introduced it in the House.

1989: Congress bans smoking on all domestic airline flights

In 1989, following previous legislation, Congress banned cigarette smoking on all domestic airline flights.

1994: Re-elected to Congress

In 1994, Dick Durbin was re-elected to congress, winning more than 55% of the vote.

1996: Durbin elected to U.S. Senate

In 1996, Dick Durbin defeated Pat Quinn to become the Democratic nominee to replace the retiring Senator Paul Simon, and then faced Republican State Representative Al Salvi in the general election, winning the election.

2002: Re-elected to Senate

In 2002, Dick Durbin was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

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 Senate

In 2008, Dick Durbin was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

2013: Awarded 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 issue.