Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, marking the end of his decades-long career in the Senate. The announcement coincided with McConnell’s 83rd birthday.
“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said. “Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time.” He expressed “immense gratitude” for his time in office and vowed to focus on his remaining work.
McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, has faced increasing health concerns in recent years. His announcement comes a week after he suffered two falls inside the Capitol. A spokesperson stated that McConnell is “fine” and that his use of a wheelchair was a precautionary measure due to lingering effects of polio.
McConnell’s decision sets the stage for a competitive race to succeed him, while his leadership role in the Republican Party remains influential as his term continues.
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