The retirement of Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), the second-ranked Democrat in the upper chamber, is likely to usher in a new era of confrontation on the prominent Judiciary Committee. Political battles waged over the nation’s court system and presidential judicial nominees often begin on the panel.

Senator Richard J. Durbin’s departure will set off a primary for a rare open Senate seat in Illinois and open a top leadership slot. He said it was time to “face reality” and make way for someone new.