Richard Joseph Durbin, commonly known as Dick Durbin, is an American politician and attorney serving as the senior United States Senator from Illinois since 1997. Born on November 21, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, he grew up in a working-class family and developed an early interest in public service. He attended Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Service in 1966 and a Juris Doctor in 1969. During college, he interned for Senator Paul Douglas and adopted the nickname 'Dick' after a mix-up by his mentor. After law school, he practiced law in Springfield, Illinois, and served as legal counsel to Illinois Lieutenant Governor Paul Simon before entering elective office.

Durbin began his political career in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Illinois's 20th congressional district from 1983 to 1997. He was elected to the Senate in 1996, succeeding his mentor Paul Simon, and has been reelected five times (2002, 2008, 2014, 2020). A prominent Democrat, he has held key leadership positions including Senate Democratic Whip since 2005—the longest-serving in that role since 1913—and Senate Majority Whip. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2021 to 2025, where he led the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and remains a senior member of the committee focused on ethics and dark money legislation. He serves on several influential committees including Appropriations, Agriculture, and Rules, and is known for his advocacy on civil rights, immigration reform, healthcare, and consumer protection.

In his personal life, Durbin married Loretta Schaefer in 1967, and they have three children. He has been a vocal supporter of progressive causes including gun control and LGBTQ+ rights, while maintaining a reputation as a pragmatic legislator. His long tenure has positioned him as a central figure in Democratic leadership and a key player in shaping national policy.