Mitch McConnell, the Republican senator from Kentucky, declared on Thursday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, announcing his retirement instead.
Having served in the Senate for numerous years, including his role as Senate majority leader during Donald Trump’s presidency, McConnell has established himself as the longest-serving Senate party leader in American history. He made this announcement on his 83rd birthday.
“Seven times my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate…Representing our Commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last,” McConnell said in prepared remarks to the Senate floor.
Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”
First elected in 1984, McConnell intends to complete his current term, which concludes in January 2027, Fox News reported.
His announcement follows several health-related incidents, including occasions where he appeared to freeze whilst making public statements. His office provided no explanations for these episodes.
Recently, McConnell experienced falls, once whilst leaving the Senate chamber this month, and previously during a GOP lunch in December.
The announcement arrives approximately one year after he stepped down from his position as Republican leader in the Senate, with Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., taking his place.
“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” he stated in his floor remarks at that time. “So I stand before you today… to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”