Voto Latino Honors Senator Dick Durbin’s Legacy of Leadership and Unwavering Advocacy for American Ideals and Our Immigrant Promise

Washington, D.C. – Voto Latino issued the following statement today in response to the announcement that U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) will not seek re-election:

“Senator Dick Durbin has been a steadfast champion of immigrants and working families throughout his decades of public service,” said Maria Teresa Kumar, Co-founder and President of Voto Latino. “From introducing the original DREAM Act to defending undocumented youth and calling out unjust immigration enforcement, Senator Durbin has never wavered in his commitment to the dignity and humanity of immigrant communities.”

As the longest-serving Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Durbin’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a more just and inclusive vision for our country. His advocacy helped bring immigration reform to the forefront of the national conversation and gave voice to millions who too often go unheard.

“His retirement marks the end of an era—but also a call to action,” Kumar continued. “We must honor his legacy by continuing the fight to defend the rights of immigrants, protecting voting rights for every American, and ensuring that every community has a seat at the table.”

Voto Latino thanks Senator Durbin for his lifelong dedication to justice and looks forward to supporting leaders who will carry his legacy forward.

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Voto Latino is a civic advocacy organization dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of Latino voters while working to build a more inclusive and representative democracy. Since its founding, Voto Latino has registered nearly two million voters. In 2024, the organization took legal action to protect voting rights, filing multiple lawsuits in Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina to safeguard access to the ballot ahead of the elections.