Longtime Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection next year, his office announced Thursday, ending a decadeslong run as one of the most powerful Republicans in the country. McConnell, first elected in 1984, is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history.

Republican U.S. Senator and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection in 2026, his office confirmed on Thursday. McConnell has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985.

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday that he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.

Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday he will not seek re-election for his seat in 2026, ending his career as one of the body's most influential power broker.

Ky., the longest-serving Senate leader in history, announced Thursday he won't seek re-election, bringing to an end a four-decade in the chamber.

Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday he will not seek reelection next year. McConnell, who turned 83 today, was largely expected to end his Senate tenure at the conclusion of his term in January 2027 but made it official in a floor speech in which he reflected on his decades-long political career.