Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky announced on Wednesday his intention to step down as the Republican leader in the Senate come November.
McConnell, who currently holds the position of minority leader in the Senate, disclosed his decision during an address to his colleagues in the chamber. At 82 years old, McConnell stands as the longest-serving Senate caucus leader in history and has occupied his seat in the chamber since 1985. His existing term is slated to conclude in January 2027.
Reflecting on his tenure, McConnell expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to represent Kentucky and lead his Republican colleagues. “To serve Kentucky has been the honor of my life, to lead my Republican colleagues has the highest privilege,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the importance of recognizing when it’s time to transition to the next phase of life, McConnell affirmed, “But 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, Mr. President and my colleagues, to say this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”
McConnell also addressed the recent challenges his family has faced, particularly the tragic loss of his wife Elaine Chao’s younger sister, Angela Chao, who passed away on Feb. 11 in an apparent drowning accident. Angela Chao was the CEO of Foremost Group, and her untimely death occurred after her car veered into a pond on a ranch near Austin, Texas, which public records indicate is associated with an entity linked to her husband, venture capitalist Jim Breyer.
“In times of loss, particularly when it comes unexpectedly and at a young age, there’s a natural inclination for introspection,” McConnell shared, reflecting on the grieving process. Yet, despite the personal challenges, McConnell affirmed his commitment to his role and his critics, stating, “But I still have enough gas in my tank to thoroughly disappoint my critics, and I intend to do so with all the enthusiasm with which they have become accustomed.”
McConnell, who previously served as majority leader during the GOP’s tenure in control of the Senate, will relinquish his leadership role in the same month as the crucial elections for the president and 33 Senate seats, within the 100-member chamber.
His relationship with former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, has been notably strained. Trump has mockingly dubbed McConnell as “The Old Crow,” and McConnell reportedly contemplated voting to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial for his alleged role in inciting the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
However, recent reports from The New York Times suggest that discussions have taken place between individuals close to Trump and McConnell regarding the possibility of McConnell endorsing Trump’s candidacy. McConnell faced two instances last summer where he momentarily struggled to speak during news conferences, which aides sought to downplay.
