Mitch McConnell Declares He Will Not Seek Re-election
Mitch McConnell, a long-standing US Senator, has confirmed that he will be stepping down and not pursuing re-election in 2026, marking the end of his 40-year Congressional tenure. At 83, McConnell holds the record for being the longest-serving party leader in the Senate's history, although he stepped down from Republican leadership amid health concerns.
Although he was a significant supporter of many policies during Donald Trump's first term, McConnell has grown increasingly critical of the former president as he looks towards retirement at the end of his term. Addressing his colleagues on the Senate floor, McConnell stated that his present Senate term would be his final one, adding that he has some pending matters to resolve.
In his address, McConnell urged his fellow Senators to exercise their constitutional duties during a period when Trump has been striving to extend the scope of the presidency. McConnell has expressed his opposition to Trump's appointments more than any other Senate Republican, voting against Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, and Robert F Kennedy Jr as health secretary.
He emphasized the importance of Congress as an equal entity to the president's office, highlighting the vital responsibility to confirm federal officials who are genuinely committed to the rule of law. McConnell, who has often blocked the agendas of Democratic presidents in the legislative branch, stated that the power of advice and consent had always been significant to him. His speech concluded with applause and a standing ovation from senators and staff.
Having been a constant challenge to Democrats, the Kentucky Senator was known for his strategic prowess and the political strength he displayed to achieve impactful results, even when his party was not in the majority. A notable instance was when he delayed President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nomination, enabling incoming President Trump to appoint a conservative judge instead. This move led to a significant transformation of the Supreme Court, impacting national abortion rights and expanding presidential immunity and power.
McConnell further played a key role in Trump's reshaping of the federal judiciary, assisting in the appointment of conservative judges nationwide. However, his support for the former president waned following the riot at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, when McConnell and other legislators were forced to seek shelter from a violent mob.
In a speech after the attack, McConnell stated that Trump was both practically and morally culpable for inciting the day's events. Despite this, he did not vote to convict Trump on impeachment charges related to the riot.
Under Biden's administration, McConnell took a firm stance on Ukraine, advocating for US support in contrast to Trump and his followers' isolationist stance. Despite significant criticism for altering Senate norms to advance his conservative agenda, McConnell emphasized the importance of respecting the legislative body and expressed his hope for the Senate's continued endurance.