GOP Senator Mitch McConnell has announced his retirement from the Senate. McConnell will not step down immediately as his announcement was about refusing to seek reelection in 2026. The effective date will be January 2027 when the person from the ’26 election becomes inaugurated. McConnell made the announcement on the Senate floor on his 83rd birthday which is February 20th. If he sought out reelection and won, he would be 90 years old at the end of that term.
McConnell has been a controversial figure in the Republican party as of late despite being the longest serving leader of any party ever. There has been a rift between him and President Trump for quite a while now. McConnell recently voted against some of Trump’s cabinet picks, including Tulsi Gabbard. The Senator has had very public health issues related to his poor balance from having Polio as a child. Several falls and stumbles have left him battered and bruised. He has also had mental freezes while speaking to the press on at least two separate occasions.
SOURCES:
McConnell announces retirement from the Senate – Live Updates – POLITICO
Mitch McConnell announces he’ll retire, ending his four-decade Senate career
Sen. Mitch McConnell won’t seek reelection in Kentucky in 2026 | AP News
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Mitch McConnell to retire from Senate in 2026 : NPR
