Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he will step down as the leader of the Senate Republican caucus in November, ending his tenure as the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history.
First elected in 1984, the Kentucky Republican rose to leadership as majority whip from 2003 to 2007. He was then elected as minority leader from 2007 to 2015 and majority leader from 2015 to 2021. Since 2021, when Senate Republicans became the minority again, he has held the position of minority leader.
McConnell has had a significant impact on Kentucky politics, playing a critical part in the state’s Republican-shift, with the GOP taking full control of the state legislature in 2017.
Comments from Kentucky and around the country are pouring in after McConnell’s announcement.
President Joe Biden said, "I’m proud that my friend Mitch McConnell and I have been able to do that for many years, working together in good faith even though we have many political disagreements. During his many years of leadership, we could always speak with each other honestly and put the country ahead of ourselves." He added, "Mitch has lived the American dream, overcoming polio and going on to become the longest-serving Senate leader in American history. Jill and I wish the best to Mitch and Elaine."
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., congratulated McConnell on what he called a "record breaking tenure as the Republican Leader of the Senate."
"Despite the massive power he accumulated through his decades of public service, he never forgot his roots."
Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.
Attorney General Russell Coleman, R-Ky.
Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., wrote in a statement, "While we disagree on almost everything, I appreciate his bipartisan leadership in passing the bipartisan infrastructure law, avoiding government shutdowns, and securing funding for our international allies. We don’t see eye to eye on most issues, but we both believe in public service. Leader McConnell is only stepping down from his leadership role, and I look forward to working with him to support Kentuckians whenever possible.”
Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.
Former Attorney General Daniel Cameron, R-Ky., said McConnell has left an "indelible impact on our Nation and our state." "Thank you, Leader, for your servant’s heart and commitment to first principles," he added.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, called McConnell a "tremendous leader in the U.S. Senate and in Kentucky." Stivers shared McConnell helped "change the body politic in Frankfort, putting Kentucky on a much better trajectory."
Kentucky Speaker of the House David Osborne, R-Prospect, said the senator is "the most consequential Kentucky leader in modern history."
"Personally, I am sorry to see him leave a role he has served so well and leveraged to benefit so many. However, I wish him the absolute best in this next chapter," Osborne said.
The Republican Party of Kentucky said McConnell is "the architect of Kentucky's switch from a solid Democrat state to rock-ribbed Republican one."
"The name 'McConnell' belongs in the history books alongside the names of other great Kentuckians who served our nation and the Commonwealth."
Don Fitzpatrick, chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, said "We fully support his decision and have tremendous graditude for all he has accomplished for our Nation, for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and for our local Republican Party."