Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell is set to announce his retirement from public service on Thursday, stating he will not seek reelection in 2026. McConnell, who is 83, has been under a lot of pressure by fellow Republicans to retire after resigning from his spot as Senate Republican Leader early last year.
The Kentucky Republican, who is the longest-serving party leader in the history of the Senate, has remained in office despite his dubious health. He’s had a number of falls and other health issues, including several moments where he froze for almost 30 seconds.
“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell went on to say in remarks made on the Senate floor. “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. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”
Just to show you how long this man has been serving in the Senate, he was initially elected in 1984. That’s over 4 decades, people. McConnell also revealed he would be serving out the rest of his current term, which comes to an end in January 2027.
“Most recently, McConnell fell while exiting the Senate chamber earlier this month. He also fell during a GOP lunch in December. McConnell’s announcement comes roughly a year after he ceded his role as Republican leader in the Senate, ultimately to be replaced by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.,” Fox News reported.
“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” he said in his address. “So I stand before you today… to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”
McConnell has been more than a little wishy-washy during his time in office, especially when it comes to President Donald Trump, who he seems to have a love-hate relationship with. Many occasions he has pushed back against the president’s agenda and various moves he’s made, proving himself to be a loyal member of the Republican establishment.
It’s good that he’s retiring, especially with all of his health issues. However, the good news about this is it gives us an opportunity to replace him with yet another MAGA candidate, which will be good for the future of our nation.
Despite not always agreeing with Sen. McConnell, we should wish him well in his retirement.