Mitch McConnell of Kentucky intends to remain in his seat through 2027, however
Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the longest-serving Senate leader in US history, announced on Wednesday he will step down from his leadership position in November.
McConnell first became senator in 1985. He was elected to lead his party’s faction in 2006 and has been in the position ever since.
“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” the 82-year-old said in a speech on the Senate floor. “So I stand before you today … to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”
McConnell did not offer a specific reason for the announcement, but said the recent death of his wife’s youngest sister prompted him to reflect.
“Father Time remains undefeated. I am no longer the young man sitting in the back, hoping colleagues would remember my name. It is time for the next generation of leadership,” he said.
“I still have enough gas in the tank to thoroughly disappoint my critics and I intend to do so with all the enthusiasm which they have become accustomed,” McConnell added, noting he intends to remain in the Senate until the end of his current mandate.
I have many faults. Misunderstanding politics is not one of them.