McConnell to step down as Senate GOP leader

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) is stepping down from his leadership post in November, ending his history-setting tenure as longest-serving Senate party leader.

McConnell, who turned 82 this month, announced the decision in a speech on the Senate floor.

“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter. So I stand before you today … to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate,” McConnell announced on the Senate floor shortly after noon Wednesday, catching many of his colleagues by surprise.

McConnell said he plans to serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2027, and will continue to work hard leading his conference through this year’s election.

“I’m not going anywhere any time soon. However, I will complete my job my colleagues have given me until we select a new leader in November and they take the helm next January,” he said.

McConnell said he began reevaluating his career plans after his sister-in-law, Angela Chao, died in a car accident earlier this month.

“When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there’s a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process. Perhaps it is God’s way of reminding you of your own life’s journey to prioritize the impact of the world that we will all inevitably leave behind,” he said, noting his recent birthday. “I turned 82 last week. The end of my contributions are closer than I’d prefer.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., leaves a Republican luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at the Capitol in Washington, after announcing that he will step down as Senate Republican leader in November. The 82-year-old Kentucky lawmaker is the longest-serving Senate leader in history. He’s maintained his power in the face of dramatic changes in the Republican Party. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

McConnell revealed his plans Wednesday morning to a small group of allies, several of whom attended his speech on the Senate floor.

One of his closest friends, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), sat at her desk immediately behind McConnell while he spoke.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.), former Senate GOP Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) were also spotted on the floor, solemnly listening to his remarks.

Members of McConnell’s staff stood at the back of the chamber to hear his emotional remarks.

The veteran Kentucky lawmaker marveled at his remarkable political career that began when he was first elected to the Senate 40 years ago, when he was in his early 40s.

“I have the honor of representing Kentucky and the Senate longer than anyone else in our state’s history. I just never could have imagined — never could have imagined that happening when I arrived here in 1984 at 42,” he said, his voice full of emotion and his eyes rimmed with red.

“I’m filled with heartfelt gratitude and humility for the opportunity,” he said.

Collins stood up on the floor to thank McConnell for his service at the conclusion of his speech.

“I just want to very briefly recognize my good friend the Republican leader for his extraordinary service not only to our caucus but more importantly to the Senate as an institution and our country,” Collins said. “His tenure as leader will be remembered not just for its historic longevity but also for his unparalleled devotion to this great institution, which he has always defended.”

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McConnell surpassed late Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-Mont.) in January 2023 as the longest-serving Senate party leader in history.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) shook McConnell’s hand and appeared to exchange warm remarks after the GOP leader finished speaking.

McConnell’s retirement from leadership sets the stage for an intense competition to replace him, with Thune, Cornyn and Senate Republican Conference Chair John Barrasso (Wyo.) expected to vie for the top job.

Other senators more aligned with the conference’s conservative wing may also take a shot at running.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who’s up for reelection this fall, challenged McConnell after the 2022 midterm election, winning 10 votes despite making a late entry into the leadership race.

The announcement caught some Republican senators by surprise.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said he saw the news flash across a TV screen while he was in a meeting.

Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) learned of the decision while she was waiting in the Senate Republican cloakroom and quickly stepped on the floor to witness the momentous development.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) was meeting with constituents in one of the Senate office buildings when he heard The Associated Press break the news that McConnell would soon announce his retirement from leadership.

“Good. It’s time,” Hawley said, reacting to the development.

The senator praised the decision as one that would give the Senate Republican Conference a fresh start after weeks of bitter infighting over a proposal to provide military aid to Ukraine and reform the nation’s border security and immigration laws.

“This is a good decision and will be a chance to start fresh,” he said.

Al Weaver contributed.

Updated at 1:40 p.m. ET