Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has announced his retirement from the U.S. Senate.
On Thursday, McConnell confirmed that he will not run for re-election in 2026.
After 40 years in the Senate, the announcement caps off a prolific political career.
83-year-old McConnell confirmed his decision in a statement to The Associated Press.
In written remarks given to the outlet ahead of speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell said:
“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate.
“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,” he confirmed.
“My current term in the Senate will be my last.
“Thanks to Ronald Reagan’s determination, the work of strengthening American hard power was well underway when I arrived in the Senate.”
“But since then, we’ve allowed that power to atrophy,” he continued.
“And today, a dangerous world threatens to outpace the work of rebuilding it.
“So, lest any of our colleagues still doubt my intentions for the remainder of my term: I have some unfinished business to attend to.”
McConnell stepped down as Senate GOP leader in November 2024.
The move came after 17 years at the helm, which included being Senate majority leader between 2015 and 2021.
It was a record for the longest-serving leader of the caucus in the upper congressional chamber.
McConnell said he plans to finish his term, which expires on January 3, 2027.
“The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence,” he said.
“And, to the disappointment of my critics, I’m still here on the job.”
Over the past couple of years, McConnell has experienced health issues.
In July and August 2023, McConnell froze during two separate press conferences.
In March 2023, December 2024, and this month, McConnell experienced falling episodes.
When asked if he would step down due to his deteriorating health, McConnell said:
“I’m going to finish my Senate term.”
The news comes after McConnell recently provoked a backlash from Republicans after he voted against a few of Trump’s nominees.
Those nominees he voted against included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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