The 80-year-old Democrat told WBEZ in an Illinois exclusive that age was a factor in his not seeking a sixth term in the U.S. Senate.

Following Sen. Dick Durbin’s decision, Illinois officeholders are looking at the potential risks and rewards of seeking a coveted US Senate seat.

Sen. Dick Durbin’s (D-Ill.) decision not to seek a sixth term in the Senate is expected to tee up a spirited Democratic primary to replace him next year. Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat who has long served as a member of Senate Democratic leadership and is the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee,