Mitch McConnell not running for eighth Senate term in 2026

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the longest-serving leader in the upper chamber’s history, will not seek re-election in 2026, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

McConnell, 83, will have served seven terms by the time he retires in January 2027 and had already stepped down as the Republican leader after the 2024 elections.

The Kentucky Republican leaves behind a legacy of having completely remade the US Supreme Court, handing it a conservative majority during the first Trump administration with the installment of three justices — after having blocked Merrick Garland’s appointment under former President Barack Obama.

But he broke with President Trump over his “rigged” election claims that culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot — and has voted down some of the 47th commander-in-chief’s cabinet officials at the start of his second term.

McConnell, who is expected to announce his retirement in a floor speech Thursday, chose the date to coincide with his 83rd birthday.

Reps for McConnell’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.