McConnell Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection
The senator confirmed he will complete his term, which is set to end on January 3, 2027.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has served for 40 years in the Senate, revealed on February 20 his decision not to seek reelection in 2026, marking the conclusion of a significant political journey.
At 83 years old, McConnell shared his decision with The Associated Press on February 20.
“My fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate seven times,” McConnell stated in written comments provided to the outlet ahead of addressing the Senate floor.
“Throughout this time, I have been honored by the trust they’ve placed in me to represent them. Serving our commonwealth has been the privilege of my lifetime.
“I will not seek this honor for an eighth time. This current Senate term will be my final one.
“Thanks to Ronald Reagan’s resolve, the efforts to reinforce American hard power were already well underway by the time I joined the Senate.”
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“However, since then, we’ve allowed that power to diminish. Currently, a perilous world poses a threat to the progress made in rebuilding it. So, for any of my colleagues who may doubt my intentions for the duration of my term: I have unfinished business to address.”
McConnell stepped down as Senate GOP leader in November 2024, having led for 17 years, which included his tenure as Senate majority leader from 2015 to 2021.
This record made him the longest-serving leader of the Republican caucus in the Senate.
He stated he will complete his term, which runs through January 3, 2027.
“The Senate is still poised for significant work,” he remarked. “And, to the disappointment of my adversaries, I’m still here fulfilling my duties.”
Throughout his leadership, McConnell was instrumental in reshaping the federal judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, which resulted in pivotal rulings like the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Notable moments include his refusal to hold hearings for Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama’s pick for the Supreme Court in 2016, and his backing of Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s nominee in 2018, despite allegations of sexual misconduct.
He also facilitated tax cuts and reforms in 2017, the same year an attempt to repeal Obamacare was unsuccessful.
In recent years, McConnell has faced health challenges.
He experienced falling incidents in March 2023, December 2024, and again this month.
Although Trump and McConnell collaborated to advance Trump’s legislative agenda during his first term, their relationship has not always been smooth. For instance, while Trump advocated for abolishing the 60-vote filibuster rule on most legislation, McConnell chose not to pursue its elimination.
“Together during his presidency, we achieved great victories for the American people, including tax reform that invigorated our economy and a transformative change in our federal judiciary—most significantly, the Supreme Court,” he stated.
Prior to his Senate election in 1984, McConnell, a polio survivor, served as a county judge and worked in the Department of Justice under President Gerald Ford.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
