Durbin warns of divisions in Illinois farewell speech

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says divisions in the United States today are reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln’s era.

The longtime lawmaker delivered his farewell address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday afternoon.

Durbin, 81, announced in April 2025 that he would not seek reelection in 2026.

Near the end of his speech, Durbin recalled words Lincoln spoke in 1858.

“Abraham Lincoln in a ‘House Divided’ speech that he gave here in Springfield gave a grim warning that the divisions over the issue of slavery could destroy our nation. We see similar divisions today,” Durbin said.

Durbin talked about his efforts to push the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legislation and the DACA executive order issued by President Barack Obama in 2012.

Durbin said he keeps his mother’s naturalization certificate and filing receipt on a credenza behind his desk in the U.S. Capitol.

“I put it there because I want everybody who comes into my office to realize I am proud to be the son of an immigrant,” Durbin said.

Several Democratic state lawmakers, including former Durbin interns Kam Buckner and Mike Simmons, praised the senator on the House floor before he spoke.

“I join my colleagues in showering accolades on Sen. Dick Durbin and recounting his enduring impact,” state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, said.

A number of people in the chamber chanted, “Tax the rich,” as Durbin began to speak.

Republican Don Tracy, who is campaigning to replace Durbin, attended the ceremony.

“He told some great stories, but it was really hard to hear,” Tracy told The Center Square.

Tracy said it is hard for him to think of anything he agrees with Durbin on, other than the senator’s measure that became law in 1988 to ban smoking on airlines.

Still, Tracy said Wednesday was not the day to attack Durbin.

“He has represented the state without drama and without any hint of scandal,” Tracy said.

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, and the Illinois Freedom Caucus refused to attend the retiring senator’s speech.

“Dick Durbin is not a hero, ok? He’s one of the chief architects of America Last policy. He’s for open borders, out-of-control government spending,” Wilhour said.

The Center Square asked Wilhour if Durbin might be involved in state policy discussions.

“Oh Lord, I hope not. You know, I don’t think that Dick Durbin has too much juice around here, fortunately,” Wilhour said.

In January, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance called Durbin “a Profile in Cowardice” and said the Illinois Democrat has been having a field day on taxpayers’ dime.

“Since earmarks returned in 2021, Sen. Durbin stuffed the following goodies into spending bills: $10.2 million for unnecessary new military installations, $8.3 million for costly electric buses, and $800,000 for a violence interruption organization called the Metropolitan Peace Academy,” the TPA said.

Durbin was first elected to the U.S. House in 1982 and served seven terms. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996.

Sean Reed and Kevin Bessler contributed to this story.