Dick Durbin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Richard Joseph Durbin is the senior United States Senator from Illinois, serving since 1997. A Democrat, he has held the position of Senate Democratic whip since 2005, except for the period of 2025-present when he has been the Senate minority whip. Notably, he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2021 to 2025, leading the Ketanji Brown Jackson Supreme Court nomination hearings. Durbin is currently in his fifth Senate term.

Sections (5)

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

1982: Elected to the 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: Elected to the 20th Congressional District

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

1988: Tobacco Regulation Bill Passed as Part of Transportation Spending Bill

In 1988, the bill Durbin introduced in 1987, which banned cigarette smoking on airline flights of two hours or less, passed as part of the transportation spending bill.

1989: Congress Bans Smoking on All Domestic Airline Flights

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

1994: Re-election in the House

In 1994, Dick Durbin was re-elected in the House, facing more substantial opposition than usual.

1996: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1996, Dick Durbin was elected to the U.S. Senate after defeating Pat Quinn in the primary and Al Salvi in the general election.

2002: Re-elected to the U.S. 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 the U.S. Senate

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

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.