Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin said Thursday that he intends to run for re-election in 2020.

The Democrat from Illinois said he would be seeking a fifth term when asked during a CNN interview.

Durbin then clarified, “I haven’t made a formal announcement. … Don’t take that as a formal announcement.”

The possibility that Durbin would retire and create an open seat for Illinois Democrats has been much discussed. In addition to his leadership role, Durbin is a senior member of both the Judiciary and Appropriations committees. He also serves as the top Democrat on the powerful Defense subcommittee.

He’s also joining the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry panel for the new Congress, which could be particularly important for the more rural parts of his state.

“I’m raising money and trying to lose a few pounds,” Durbin said in the interview. “And that’s a good indicator that I’m looking forward to 2020.”