US: I won’t seek reelection in 2026 — 83-year-old Republican Senator, McConnell

Former Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026, marking the end of a decades-long career that made him a dominant figure in Republican politics. 

Speaking on the Senate floor on Thursday morning, the Kentucky senator, who turned 83 on the same day, reflected on his tenure and the challenges ahead.

McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, has played a pivotal role in shaping conservative policy making. 

Despite his leadership, he has often clashed with President Donald Trump, particularly on foreign policy and national security issues. A vocal advocate for U.S. aid to Ukraine, McConnell has also opposed more of Trump’s nominees than any other Republican senator.

In his speech, McConnell made it clear that his work in the Senate is not yet finished, stressing the need to strengthen national security and rebuild America’s defense capabilities. 

“Thanks to Ronald Reagan’s determination, the work of strengthening America’s hard power was well underway when I arrived in the Senate, but since then, we’ve allowed that power to atrophy, and today, a dangerous world threatens to outpace the work of rebuilding it,” he warned. “So lest any of our colleagues still doubt my intentions for the remainder of my term, I have some unfinished business to attend to.”

McConnell also expressed optimism about the future of the Senate, despite the political challenges facing the institution. “There are any number of reasons for pessimism, but the strength of the Senate is not one of them,” he said. 

He thanked his constituents for their support over the years, recalling the trust they had placed in him throughout his career. “Seven times my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate. Every day in between, I’ve been humbled by the trust they place in me to do their business right 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.”

The announcement sets the stage for a competitive race to fill McConnell’s Senate seat. Republican Rep. Andy Barr has already signaled interest in running, stating on X that he will make a decision “soon.”

McConnell, who overcame polio as a child, has faced health challenges in recent years, including falls that led to hospitalizations and rehabilitation. 

His most publicized health incidents occurred in 2023 when he appeared to freeze during press conferences, raising concerns about his well-being. More recently, he has used a wheelchair after suffering multiple falls in the Capitol.

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Following his remarks, McConnell received a standing ovation from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who took over as Senate GOP leader this year, praised McConnell’s influence and contributions. 

“Senator McConnell’s legacy is one of remarkable service to the Senate, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and our nation,” said Thune. “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.”

McConnell also expressed gratitude to his family, particularly his wife, former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, whom he described as his “ultimate teammate and confidant of the last 32 years.”

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