83-year-old Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026.
McConnell had already stepped down as leader last year; Senator John Thune (R-SD) is now the Majority Leader.
“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said in prepared remarks provided in advance to the AP. “Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here. 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, first elected in 1984, plans to serve the rest of his term, ending in January 2027. In recent years, he has faced medical issues, including injuries from falls and brief moments when his face froze while speaking.
🚨BREAKING: RINO Mitch McConnell will not be seeking reelection in 2026. pic.twitter.com/RyIL3tlZCY
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 20, 2025
Watch McConnell’s announcement from the Senate floor:
Mitch McConnell resignation.
Tracking. pic.twitter.com/zWrxjGrTtB
— Joe Rambo (@BrainStorm_Joe) February 20, 2025
This story is developing…
BREAKING: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will not seek re-election in 2026. McConnell is 83 years old. pic.twitter.com/7I5Yoh4uyF
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 20, 2025
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