Mitch McConnell Announces Retirement After Four Decades in Senate

The longest-serving Senate leader in U.S. history will not seek reelection, signaling the end of a storied career and a shift in Republican politics.

McConnell, 83, announced on his birthday that he will not run for reelection in 2026, marking the conclusion of his Senate tenure in January 2027.
He served as Senate Republican leader for 18 years, the longest in U.S. history, and played a key role in shaping the conservative judiciary, including facilitating three Supreme Court appointments under Donald Trump.
McConnell's decision comes as his health and influence within a Trump-dominated Republican Party have waned, with notable disagreements over issues like Ukraine aid and GOP populism.
His retirement has triggered a competitive Republican primary in Kentucky, with figures like Daniel Cameron, Andy Barr, and Nate Morris vying to succeed him, while Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has signaled disinterest in running.
McConnell's legacy includes blocking Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination, defending the filibuster, and steering bipartisan deals, but his relationship with Trump remains a contentious aspect of his career.