While it was less of a nail-biter race than, say, the 13th district, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin sealed a re-election victory. He defeated Republican Mark Curran and other challengers, including Chicago businessman Willie Wilson. Durbin, one the state’s most recognizable politicians, will continue with a fifth consecutive term. Durbin’s win was one the national party was relying on in the attempt to win a majority in the Senate. As of Wednesday morning, it was unclear whether or not that attempt was successful, with Republicans taking a lead. Durbin, the Senate Democrats’ Whip, told reporters Tuesday, “This is the most unusual victory speech I’ve ever given, sitting in my home in Springfield, staring into an iPad.” Durbin is the longest-serving member of Congress from Illinois. He said his priority after the election is to pass a second COVID-19 relief package, which has stalled in Congress.
This article appears in The new Y.
