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McConnell, longest-serving US senator, to retire in early 2027
February 20, 2025
Article Body Text<p>U.S. Senator and former Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Thursday, on his 83rd birthday, that he will not seek reelection when his current term ends in early 2027.</p> <p>First elected in 1984, McConnell made the announcement from the Senate floor.</p> <p>“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate. Every day in between, I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here,” he said. “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.”</p> <p>McConnell will retire as the longest-serving senator in U.S. history and the longest-serving Senate leader from any party. He has led the Republicans since 2007 both as majority and minority leader before giving up the position to Senator John Thune last year.</p> <p>McConnell’s storied political career saw him guide the Senate chamber through a $1.5 trillion tax overhaul, presidential impeachment trials and fierce political fights.</p> <p>In recent years, McConnell had a series of health scares, including two separate incidents in which he froze while talking to reporters. He blamed those incidents on a previous concussion.</p> <p>In his comments Thursday, McConnell said he decided last year that he would not run for reelection.</p> <p><em>Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.</em></p>
Content TypeText
LanguageEnglish
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 20, 2025 14:54 EST
BylineVOA News
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
