Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced he will not seek reelection.
The Republican lawmaker made the announcement on the Senate Floor Thursday, sharing the current term will be his last.
“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell said. “Every day in between, I’ve been humbled by the trust they placed in me to do their business right here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”
McConnell is 83 years old, and has suffered several health challenges recently.
He also said in his speech: “I grew up reading about the greatness of Henry Clay, but there were times when the prospect of etching my name into his desk and this chamber felt like more of a long shot than making it to the major leagues. The only appropriate thing to take away today, apart from my healthy dose of pride, is my immense gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the consequential business of the Senate and the nation.”
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Per Politico, McConnell was elected in 1986 and spent 18 years as the Senate’s top Republican leader. That includes six years as majority leader.
