Bye bye!
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026 and will retire from the Senate after serving for decades. His announcement came on his 83rd birthday, marking the end of an extraordinary career in public service.
McConnell, who has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985, is the longest-serving party leader in Senate history. He played a pivotal role during President Donald Trump’s first term, particularly as Senate Majority Leader, where he was known for his strategic leadership and his ability to navigate the complexities of Senate rules and procedures.
In his farewell speech, McConnell reflected on the trust the people of Kentucky have placed in him, stating, “Seven times, my great Kentuckians have kept me in the Senate. Every day in between, I have been humbled by the faith they have put me in to do business for them. Standing for our commonwealth has been the honor of my life.” He made it clear that his current term, which ends in January 2027, will be his last.
McConnell’s retirement announcement follows a series of health challenges, including public incidents where he froze up during public statements, with his office offering no explanation for the episodes. He has also had several falls, including one while exiting the Senate chamber earlier this month and another at a GOP luncheon in December.
The timing of McConnell’s announcement comes nearly a year after he passed on his role as Senate Republican Leader to Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), who has since taken over leadership. Senator Thune praised McConnell’s leadership, emphasizing his legacy as a dedicated public servant. “Senator McConnell’s legacy is one of remarkable service to the Senate, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and our nation,” Thune remarked. “His tireless work and commitment to the rule of law have profoundly impacted American governance.”
As McConnell prepares to step down, his decades-long impact on the Senate and the country will undoubtedly remain a defining part of his legacy.