WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Senator Mitch McConnell declared on Thursday that he will not pursue reelection next year, marking the end of a significant career characterized by his influence on conservative policies and his gradual concession to the intense populism championed by former President Donald Trump.

As the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, McConnell chose to announce his decision on his 83rd birthday, revealing his plans to retire at the conclusion of his current term in Kentucky. He shared this decision with The Associated Press prior to addressing his colleagues on the Senate floor.

“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” McConnell stated, with aides present and fellow senators attentive. “Every day, I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to represent them. Serving our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. This current term will be my last.”

His announcement signals the close of a remarkable chapter in a career defined by strategic prowess, during which he helped establish a conservative Supreme Court and guided the Senate through various tax reforms, presidential impeachment trials, and contentious political battles. Even with nearly two years left in his term, McConnell expressed his commitment to finish his remaining responsibilities.

“I have some unfinished business to attend to,” he remarked.

Walking carefully to the microphone in a walking boot, McConnell observed that despite the many reasons for discouragement, the Senate’s capacity for significant work remains intact.

“The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence,” he reassured his colleagues.

As he concluded his speech, Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., called for applause—a rare occurrence under Senate rules. Republican senators soon formed a line to congratulate McConnell, starting with Senator Susan Collins from Maine, who embraced him, followed by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who offered a supportive pat on the back. McConnell shared a light-hearted moment, prompting laughter among the group as he reached for a tissue. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota greeted him warmly, and many others soon joined in.

Senator Lindsey Graham remarked on McConnell’s notable influence on the American judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, stating, “He has much to be proud of and will surely work diligently until the end of his term.”

First elected in 1984, McConnell plans to serve until his term ends in January 2027. He has faced a series of health challenges in recent years, including injuries from falls and episodes that caused temporary facial paralysis while speaking.

A longtime devotee of the Senate, McConnell’s dramatic announcement comes nearly a year after he announced his intent to step down from leadership following the November 2024 election.

His anticipated departure reflects the evolving nature of the Trump-influenced GOP, where McConnell’s authority has waned alongside his health challenges and his complicated relationship with Trump, who has shifted from praising him to openly criticizing him.

McConnell’s exit will create an open Senate seat in Kentucky, potentially igniting a competitive primary among Republicans. Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, a prominent figure in the state, has indicated he is not interested in pursuing a Senate candidacy, as reiterated by his chief political strategist on social media. Beshear is often mentioned as a possible candidate for the presidency in 2028.

With the race for McConnell’s seat heating up, potential GOP candidates have begun to surface. U.S. Representative Andy Barr hinted at a forthcoming decision regarding his political future, while former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron hinted at a desire for “a new generation of leadership” on social media. Businessman Nate Morris is also rumored to be considering a run. A shared loyalty to Trump appears to be a common theme among these potential candidates.

McConnell, a staunch supporter of Ronald Reagan’s traditional conservatism and strong international policy, has increasingly found himself at odds with a GOP that is leaning more toward Trump’s populist and often isolationist views.

He remains a proponent of providing aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, even as Trump intensifies his criticism of the country and its leadership. McConnell emphasized during his speech that national defense would continue to be a priority.

McConnell and Trump were once political allies during Trump’s initial term; however, their relationship soured after McConnell condemned Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. While there was a brief reconciliation in 2024 when McConnell endorsed Trump, that goodwill did not endure.

Just last week, Trump referred to McConnell as “a very bitter guy” after McConnell opposed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for a health position in the Biden administration. This conflict deepened when McConnell labeled Trump as a “despicable human being” in an AP biography.

Before their falling out, McConnell and Trump collaborated on significant policies, including a tax overhaul focused on helping corporations and high-income earners, as well as reshaping the Supreme Court with Trump’s nominations.

In a notable partisan move, McConnell infamously refused to hold a hearing for President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, in 2016, declaring that the vacancy should be filled by the next president. This set a precedent that would be viewed as a pivotal moment in his career.

Later, following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg just before the 2020 election, McConnell moved swiftly to confirm Amy Coney Barrett, dismissing claims of hypocrisy over his previous actions.

Throughout his tenure, McConnell skillfully navigated the Senate, shaping key legislation and managing two impeachment trials resulting in Trump’s acquittal, while also balancing his role as majority and minority leader based on changing party control.

As Kentucky’s longest-serving senator, McConnell has ensured substantial federal funding for the Bluegrass State and played a vital role in his party’s rise in a region formerly dominated by Democrats.

Married to Elaine Chao, they have long been regarded as a significant power couple in Washington. McConnell has described her as his “ultimate teammate and confidante.” Chao served as labor secretary under Bush and as transportation secretary during Trump’s first term, although she resigned following the Capitol riots, citing her distress over the event.

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Schreiner reported from Louisville, Ky.

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