Sen. Mitch McConnell to step down in November as minority leader

The 82-year-old insists he’s “not going anywhere” after stepping down as the GOP leader and he plans to continue representing the people of Kentucky through the end of his term in January 2027. Sen. Mitch McConnell has faced increasing pressure to resign as Senate minority leader after freezing up while speaking publicly at two different events last year. He made history as the longest-serving senate leader.

How did McConnell break the news? He announced his decision shortly after noon from the Senate floor. “As Ecclesiastes tells us, ‘To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under Heaven,’” he said. “To serve Kentucky in the Senate has been the honor of my life. To lead my Republicans has been the highest privilege.

“Father Time remains undefeated,” he added. “It’s time for the next generation of leadership.”

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno’s report in The Stew about growing public concern about elderly politicians.