The Next Dick Durbin: Mapping Senate Democratic Leadership’s Future
Dick Durbin’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election in 2026 creates a leadership vacuum that extends far beyond Illinois.
Binge-Worthy Show: Billions
Must-Listen Podcast: Smartless
Comfort Food: Wienerschnitzel
Daytrip Destination: Snowshoe Mountain, WV for skiing
Andrew Kauders transforms Washington’s policy challenges into results for domestic and international clients across trade, energy, tax, and national security sectors. His wins include strengthening major, bilateral international trade partnerships, securing tax benefits for a critical segment of the healthcare industry, leading a campaign to expose and combat conflicts of interest in federal contracting, and implementing incentives that have driven growth in domestic manufacturing. His strategic approach helps both U.S. and international organizations navigate federal policy and political trends.
Drawing from experience as a leadership spokesperson in the U.S. Congress, executive director of the House Democratic Caucus and senior advisor to a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Finance and Banking Committees, Andrew has earned recognition as one of Capitol Hill’s most effective strategists – named five times to Roll Call’s annual “Fabulous Fifty” list, a ranking of top congressional staffers “who wield the power and drive their party’s message,” and profiled by National Journal for his behind-the-scenes impact on policy and politics on Capitol Hill. His mastery of both legislative strategy and media relations has made him a trusted advisor for businesses seeking to strengthen their position in Washington, D.C.
His expertise extends to the executive branch, where he served in key roles during the Clinton administration, including as spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spokesperson for the White House Climate Change Task Force and deputy press secretary for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This depth of experience across Washington’s power centers enables him to consistently deliver results for corporate clients, combining policy expertise with strategic communications to advance business interests in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
At the local level, Andrew serves his community as an elected council member in Chevy Chase’s Village of Martin’s Additions. Currently in his third term, Andrew has chaired the council for two years and has made pedestrian safety and storm water infrastructure improvements, some of his top priorities.
Dick Durbin’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election in 2026 creates a leadership vacuum that extends far beyond Illinois.
Managing Director Andrew Kauders breaks down how Democrats are approaching—and constantly revising—their legislative priorities.