Mitch McConnell announces that he will not run for another term in the Senate
For much of the past four decades, Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell has been a prominent figure on Capitol Hill.
Yet the veteran lawmaker announced this week that he will be gone from Washington in less than two years.
Decision to leave comes following multiple health scares
According to Fox News, McConnell revealed his decision not to seek another term on Thursday, saying, "Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate."
"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," he explained
The network reported that McConnell fell down a flight of stairs at the Senate shortly after voting to confirm Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.
The 82-year-old lawmaker was quickly helped to his feet by Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines and Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
Senate majority leader praises McConnell for "decades of tireless"
South Dakota Republican Sen. John Thune holds McConnell's old job of Senate majority leader, and he spoke words of praise for his predecessor.
"Senator McConnell’s legacy is one of remarkable service to the Senate, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and our nation," Fox News quoted him as saying.
"Over decades of tireless work, his mastery of Senate procedure, commitment to the institution, and dedication to the rule of law have shaped the course of American governance for generations to come," Thune added.
McConnell has a mixed legacy within his party, with some Republicans admiring him for helping President Donald Trump to reshape the federal judiciary.
McConnell's departure is welcome news to critics
However, McConnell's decision to leave has been welcomed by others on the right who resent his frequent spats with the president.
JUST IN: Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, whose birthday is today, will not be running for reelection in 2026.
Good.
The statement comes as McConnell has suffered multiple medical emergencies in the past few years.
McConnell is 83 years old and has been a Senator in… pic.twitter.com/1pHkbl0Qgm
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 20, 2025
Among McConnell's critics is conservative commentator Collin Rugg, who complained in a social media post that the senator has "done so much destruction to this party."
