Dick Durbin Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Dick Durbin is the second-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate, serving as Minority Whip and representing Illinois since 1997. Born November 21, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Richard Joseph "Dick" Durbin has been a fixture in American politics for over four decades. Elected to the Senate in 1996 and re-elected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020, he fills the seat left vacant by his mentor Paul Simon. In April 2025, at age 80, Durbin announced he would retire at the end of his term in January 2027, citing age as a factor in his decision. Throughout his career, he has been known for his advocacy on immigration reform, healthcare, and civil rights, while also facing significant controversies.
Early Life and Education of Dick Durbin
• Dick was born to working-class parents in East St. Louis, with his father working as a railroad switchman during the Great Depression. 
• He attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C., where he earned both his undergraduate degree and law degree in the 1960s. 
• Durbin worked as a legal aid lawyer helping low-income clients before entering politics, shaping his progressive worldview.
Early Political Career of Dick Durbin
• He began his political career in the Illinois House of Representatives, serving from 1983 to 1997 in the U.S. House. 
• Dick represented Illinois's 20th congressional district for seven terms before successfully running for the Senate in 1996. 
• As a senator, he makes approximately 50 round trips annually between Washington and Illinois to stay connected with constituents.
Senate Leadership Positions of Dick Durbin
• Durbin has served as Democratic Whip since 2005, first as majority whip (2005-2015) and then minority whip (2015-present). 
• He currently serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, overseeing Supreme Court nominations and federal judicial appointments. 
• Dick was re-elected as Senate Democratic whip without opposition in December 2024 for the 119th Congress.
Key Legislative Achievements of Dick Durbin
• He co-authored the DREAM Act, landmark immigration legislation providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented youth brought to America. 
• Dick played a crucial role in passing the Affordable Care Act and has been a consistent advocate for healthcare expansion. 
• He has championed criminal justice reform and has worked extensively on reducing mandatory minimum sentencing disparities.
Major Controversies around Dick Durbin
• In 2005, Durbin compared U.S. treatment of Guantanamo Bay prisoners to "Nazis, Soviets in their gulags...Pol Pot". 
• He delivered a tearful apology on the Senate floor, saying his remarks were "a very poor choice of words".
• His wife's lobbying work has drawn scrutiny, with some clients receiving federal funding promoted by Durbin.
Awards and Recognition received by Dick Durbin
• The American Civil Liberties Union has repeatedly honored him for his work on civil rights and constitutional protections. 
• Dick received the Champion of Justice Award from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights for his advocacy work. 
• He has been recognized by numerous immigration advocacy groups for his leadership on comprehensive immigration reform efforts.
Lesser Known Facts about Dick Durbin
• According to 2023 reports, Durbin's net worth is estimated at $10 million, accumulated through his long political career. 
• He started his career as a legal aid attorney in Springfield, Illinois, representing clients who couldn't afford private lawyers. 
• Dick maintains a tradition of hosting annual immigration forums in Illinois, personally hearing stories from immigrants seeking citizenship.