Mitch Mcconnell Announces Retirement After Decades In Senate

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., leaves a closed-door intelligence briefing on the war in Ukraine, at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday that he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump. McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, shared his decision not to run for another term in Kentucky on his 83rd birthday. He informed The Associated Press of his decision before addressing colleagues in a speech on the Senate floor.

McConnell, first elected in 1984, intends to serve the remainder of his term ending in January 2027. The Kentuckian has dealt with a series of medical episodes in recent years, including injuries sustained from falls and times when his face briefly froze while he was speaking.

His departure marks the loss of a powerful advocate in Kentucky and will set off a competitive GOP primary next year for what will now be an open Senate seat. McConnell's relationship with Trump soured after McConnell blamed Trump for the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack by his supporters.

McConnell and Trump were partners during Trump's first term, pushing through a tax overhaul and reshaping the Supreme Court. McConnell set a new precedent for hardball partisan tactics in 2016 by refusing to give a hearing to Democratic President Barack Obama’s pick of Merrick Garland to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

He cited health issues and age as reasons for stepping down.

McConnell won't seek reelection, ending decades in Senate.

McConnell's departure will trigger a competitive GOP primary in Kentucky.

His relationship with Trump soured after blaming him for Capitol attack.

McConnell played a key role in passing tax overhaul and reshaping Supreme Court.

He set a precedent by blocking Obama's Supreme Court nominee in 2016.

McConnell guided the Senate through two impeachment trials that ended in acquittals. In the second impeachment, he joined all but seven Republicans in voting to acquit Trump, condemning him as “practically and morally responsible” for the insurrection.

McConnell's parting words reflected his devotion to the Senate and his disdain for his detractors. He referred to his wife, Elaine Chao, as his “ultimate teammate and confidante.” Chao was labor secretary for Bush and transportation secretary during Trump's first term.

McConnell's looming departure reflects the changing dynamics of the Trump-led GOP and his diminishing power in parallel with his health. He plans to make it clear that national defense remains at the forefront of his agenda as he finishes his term.