Why He Matters
Few bills hit the Senate floor without the approval of Souders. The chief of staff to Senate Majority Whip
Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) plays a role in almost every daily decision that is made, and his influence only increased once the Democrats retook the majority in 2007.
It is a role that Souders has been preparing for since he graduated from college at Marquette University and joined Durbin’s staff as an intern. The 40-year-old aide has been with Durbin since, and has held almost every job in the senator’s office, a testament to the strength of the loyalty between Durbin and his staffers.
At a Glance
Current Position: Chief of Staff to Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill) (since 2007)
Career History: Staff Director, Sen. Dick Durbin (2005 to 2006); Projects Director, Sen. Dick Durbin (1997 to 2004); Downstate Political Director, Sen. Dick Durbin, (1995 to 1996)
Birthday: Jan. 20, 1969
Hometown: Quincy, Ill.
Alma Mater: Marquette University, B.A., 1991; Georgetown University, M.A., 2999
Spouse: N/A
Office: 309 Hart Senate Bldg., 202-224-2152
Email N/A
Web site
Path to Power
Souders was born in Quincy, Ill. He attended Marquette University, and earned a B.A. in communications in 1991.
Souders moved to Washington that summer to intern for then Rep. Durbin. He was hired later that year as a legislative assistant. He was named downstate Illinois political director in 1995, a position he held for a year, before he became political director for Durbin’s first Senate campaign in 1996.
After the election, he moved back to Washington and was named projects director in 1997, a position he held for seven years. In 2005, he became Durbin’s staff director. When the senator’s longtime chief of staff retired in 2007, Souders was the obvious replacement.
The Issues
Souders has called Durbin “part vote counter and part traffic cop,” a job description that also applies to Souders. The chief of staff has become an expert in floor operations and appropriations. He helps Durbin and Senate Democrats move their agendain a Senate that often demands 60 votes for anything tangible to happen.
Souders oversees both Durbin’s majority whip office and his personal staff. He also coordinates with members of Illinois’ 21-member House delegation.
Mental Health
Souders has helped Durbin advance a series of measures designed to help people suffering from mental illness. He earned a Congressional Service Award in 2005 from the American Psychological Association for helping Durbin provide the poor and underserved with mental and behavioral treatment.
Souders also helped his boss secure more funding for the Graduate Psychology Education program.
