LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced he is not seeking reelection next year. The longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history chose his 83rd birthday on Thursday, Feb. 20 to share his decision when his current term ends in 2027.
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 held the position of minority leader before stepping down from the role in 2024.
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.
Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced his bid to run for McConnell's seat minutes after McConnell's announcement.
Here's a look at reaction from leaders across the commonwealth.
Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr
Secretary of State Michael Adams
Col. Pam Stevenson
Republican Party of Kentucky
Andy Westberry, Republican Party of Kentucky spokesperson
“I’m happy for him; the party is happy for him. There’s no other way to say it. He’s had one hell of a career.”
House Speaker David Osborne
“Today’s announcement signals the conclusion of one of the most consequential careers in modern American history. For more than four decades, Leader McConnell has been a dominant force in shaping judicial appointments, tax policy, and legislative strategy. While his tenure is historic in its length, it is even more meaningful in what he has accomplished for both our Commonwealth and nation."
"As a direct result of his leadership, Kentucky has seen record investments in infrastructure, strengthened our position in national defense, and benefited from countless programs aimed at improving health, education, and overall quality of life. On behalf of the Kentucky House of Representatives, I thank Leader McConnell for his service and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement at the end of this term. Until then, I look forward to continuing to work with him for the betterment of Kentuckians.”
“Point no further than the construction of the Brent Spence Bridge. I mean, without Mitch McConnell as majority leader, that does not happen, and I think you can name so many other items that Kentucky would’ve never been in play for.”
U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey
“It’s no secret that Senator McConnell and I disagree on a host of issues, especially his attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act that half a million Kentuckians rely on and his efforts to pack our courts with conservative judges who have ripped away many of our most fundamental freedoms.
“As Kentuckians, Senator McConnell and I have also found common ground, and for the next two years, I will continue seeking areas where we can work together to deliver for working families across Kentucky.”
State Auditor Allison Ball
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie
“It has been an honor to serve with Leader McConnell representing the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Leader McConnell is one of the most consequential figures in American and Kentucky political history, and his conservative legacy will last for decades. His historic leadership as Senate Republican Leader is unmatched, and his dedication to turning Kentucky into a Republican state is unquestioned. He has brought our Kentucky values to the table for the most important discussions and biggest issues facing our nation."
"I thank Leader McConnell for his service and I look forward to working with him for next two years as we continue delivering for Kentucky communities across the Second District."
Attorney General Russell Coleman
“Senator Mitch McConnell has earned his place as the most consequential Kentuckian to serve in the United States Senate since Henry Clay. His mastery of the world’s most deliberative body is matched only by his unwavering commitment to the people of Kentucky.
“From the Mountains in the East to the River Counties in the West and everywhere between, the impact of Senator McConnell’s leadership will continue to play out for generations. He has fought for farmers and factory workers, miners and medical researchers, servicemembers and small business owners. And time and again, he has won.
“On a personal note, after I was injured and forced to leave my dream job in the FBI, Senator McConnell offered me the chance get back in the fight in public service. Like so many of us who worked in his Office, the opportunity to serve Kentucky ranks among the highest honors of my life. I will always be deeply grateful for his confidence as we supported law enforcement, built a strong federal judiciary, and fought the scourge of drug addiction.
“As Senator McConnell said on the Floor, he still has a lot of work to do. I look forward to the continued privilege of collaborating with him as we serve our Commonwealth.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
"Congratulations Senator McConnell on your historic career representing Kentucky in the United States Senate."
"Sen. McConnell has dedicated his life to public service and, while he and I have differed on policy issues, we’ve always had a good working relationship to move Louisville forward. There is no doubt he loves Louisville and our Commonwealth. I look forward to continuing this work over the next two years."
Senate President Robert Stivers (when asked if he'd run for McConnell's seat)
“If you say the door is open, yeah, it’s still open, but it’s not something that is a front-burner priority. I want to focus on the (state) Senate session and doing the policy work that I think moves this state forward.”
State Rep. James Tipton
“One of the downfalls of this is Senator McConnell has so much seniority in Washington D.C. He’s been minority leader; he’s been majority leader. And when we have a freshman going, we’re not going to have that for a while.”