U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois says he won’t seek reelection to a sixth term in 2026 and knows “it’s time to pass the torch.”

Durbin, a key figure in the Democratic caucus, has made his mark in Congress, notably endorsing Barack Obama early in the historical 2008 presidential campaign.

The 80-year-old Democrat told WBEZ in an Illinois exclusive that age was a factor in his not seeking a sixth term in Congress.