Mitch McConnell, Republican senator from Kentucky announced Thursday that he would not run for re-election in 2018. This ends his long tenure as an influential figure within the Senate.
McConnell announced the news on his birthday, which was also the 83rd anniversary of the founding of the United States Senate. The Associated Press was the first to report on this news.
On Thursday, the 83-year old Kentuckian announced his decision in the Senate.
After his speech, many of his Republican co-workers, as well as Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and several other Democrats gave him standing ovations.
McConnell thanked his constituents in a public statement.
Seven times my fellow Kentuckians sent me to Senate. Each day between, I was humbled at the confidence they placed in me. The honor of my lifetime was to represent our Commonwealth. This honor will not be sought an eighth time. “My current Senate term will be my final.”
McConnell, who was first elected in 1984 and will serve his entire term until January 2027, has made this decision. McConnell’s decision is a result of recent health issues, such as injuries sustained from falls or episodes in which he briefly became frozen while speaking.
McConnell through the years
McConnell announced his resignation nearly a full year after first revealing that he would step down as leader of the Senate following elections in November 2024.
McConnell was elected Republican leader in 2007.
It is clear that his departure will mark a change in the power structure of the Republican Party, since his influence has diminished along with his declining health and his damaged relationship with Donald Trump.
McConnell’s departure will lead to a fiercely competitive GOP primaries in Kentucky for the now vacant Senate seat.
McConnell has always adhered to Ronald Reagan’s conservative brand, favoring a strong foreign policy. This stance puts him in conflict with Trump’s isolationist approach.
Trump and McConnell
McConnell, once considered to be an ally by Trump, has been the target of his criticism in recent years.
McConnell and Trump’s relationship ended after McConnell accused Trump of the attack that took place on Capitol Hill in January 2021.
He said that no one, and especially not police officers, should be excused for violence.
McConnell supported Trump’s election in 2024 but their relationship was strained. Trump called McConnell “a very bitter guy” for opposing vaccine-skeptic Robert F Kennedy Jr.
He was also against two other Trump Cabinet picks: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabrield.
McConnell’s legacy in American politics will remain etched even as he prepares to depart the Senate.
He was a key player in the formation of a conservative Supreme Court.
It marks the end an era of Republican politics.
The ICD published the article Mitch McConnell retiring in 2026 and ending decades of Senate career first.
