Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will not run for re-election in 2026 and will instead retire, the longtime senator announced Thursday.
McConnell has served in the Senate for decades, including as Senate majority leader under President Donald Trump's first administration. McConnell is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, and he announced his retirement on his 83rd birthday.
"Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate," McConnell said in prepared remarks to 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."
