Political leaders in Kentucky, nationwide react to Sen. McConnell’s retirement announcement
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Mitch McConnell won’t run again in 2026
Longtime Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection next year, he announced Thursday, ending a decades-long 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.
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On his 83rd birthday, United States Sen. Mitch McConnell received an outpouring of support. Not for his birthday, but as news broke that his current seventh term would be his last.
Kentucky state and national leaders took to social media Thursday to commend the longtime senator. Some took the opportunity to promote their own candidacy for his soon-to-be vacant position.
McConnell announced he will not seek reelection next year. It ends his 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 the nation’s history.
As McConnell gave his speech, current and former Kentucky politicians Daniel Cameron and Rep. Andy Barr announced their consideration to run to replace him.
Cameron, Kentucky’s former attorney general and unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate posted a picture of his family with the short statement: “Kentucky, it’s time for a new generation of leadership in the U.S. Senate. Let’s do this.” Cameron, who turns 40 in November, was a former McConnell scholar.
Barr teased at running and said, “I am considering running for Senate because Kentucky deserves a Senator who will fight for President Trump and the America First Agenda.”
Democratic Rep. Pam Stevenson also said in a post on X she plans to run for McConnell’s seat. She serves in the Kentucky House of Representatives as the minority floor leader.
“My best to Sen. McConnell & Sec. Chao. Sen. McConnell served this Commonwealth for 40,” she wrote. “It is time KY has new leadership in DC that is dedicated to serving them. I fully intend to seek the office & will make my formal announcement in a few weeks.”
Republican Rep. David Osborne said McConnell’s announcement signals the conclusion of one of the most consequential careers in modern American history.
“For more than four decades, Leader McConnell has been a dominant force in shaping the judicial appointments, tax policy, and legislative strategy,” Osborne said. “While his tenure is historic in its length, it is even more meaningful in what he has accomplished for both our commonwealth and nation.”
Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman also called McConnell’s longstanding career the most “consequential” since Henry Clay.
“From the mountains in the east to the river counties in the west and everywhere between, the impact of Senator McConnell’s leadership will continue to play out for generations,” Coleman said in a statement. “He has fought for farmers and factory workers, miners and medical researchers, service members and small business owners. And time and again, he has won.”
Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams — who has alluded to a run for 2028 governorship — said McConnell gave the state not just heft, but also his independence of mind, on aid for our allies, protecting free speech and other issues.
“History will record not the preening of today’s political provocateurs, but the lasting accomplishments of real legislators,” Adams posted on X. “Godspeed MM.”
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott said McConnell dedicated his life to the state he loves.
“Our country is grateful for his leadership and legacy of confirming conservative judges and justices, and safeguarding the Republican Senate Majority,” Scott, a Republican senator in South Carolina, said in a news release. “Kentucky is a red state, so the NRSC is confident that our eventual nominee will be a principled, America First conservative who will join our Majority’s fight for our nation’s Golden Era.”
Robert Benvenuti, chairman of the Kentucky Republican Party, thanked McConnell for “his extraordinary and steadfast service to our state and nation.”
“From his early days as a county judge-executive, to becoming the longest serving Senate Party leader in history, he has faithfully served the people of Kentucky with integrity and dedication,” Benvenuti wrote.
He said without McConnell’s vision and tireless efforts, the Republican party would not be the majority in Kentucky.
“His principled, conservative leadership has shaped policies that have strengthened both out state and our country, the chairman said. “We all owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his unparalleled service, and we wish him continued success in the years ahead.
McConnell’s colleague, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul gave a short statement of appreciation.
“I appreciate Senator McConnell’s dedication and commitment to serving Kentuckians over the years and wish him the best,” Paul said.
Democratic Congressman Morgan McGarvey, of Louisville, said in a statement he and McConnell “disagree on a host of issues,” — mentioning attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and his efforts to pack courts with conservative judges.
But, McGarvey said, “As Kentuckians, Senator McConnell and I have also found common ground, and for the next two years. I will continue seeking areas where we can work together to deliver for working families across Kentucky.”
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
This story was originally published February 20, 2025 at 12:35 PM.
