LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, 82, announced Wednesday he plans to step down from his role as the Republican Party’s leader in the Senate in November.
McConnell (R-Ky.), the longest-serving Senate leader in history, maintained his power in the face of dramatic convulsions in the Republican Party for almost two decades.
"I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, however. I will complete the job my colleagues have given me until we select a new Leader in November and they take the helm next January," he said. “I will finish the job the people of Kentucky hired me to do as well - albeit from a different seat in the chamber. I am looking forward to that."
Shortly after McConnell's speech from the well of the Senate in Washington D.C., leaders from across Kentucky and the country reacted to his decision to relinquish his leadership position.
Robert Stivers, Kentucky Senate President (R)
“Leader McConnell has been a tremendous leader in the U.S. Senate and in Kentucky, and has helped change the body politic in Frankfort, putting Kentucky on a much better trajectory. He's contributed significantly not only at the federal level, but also at the state level. Being a leader of a chamber myself, I have great respect and admiration for the job he's done."
Governor Andy Beshear (D-Ky.)
"We've worked together in disaster response and freeing up federal dollars -- on all those things that aren't red or blue, we've had a good working relationship with his office," the governor said. "We are appreciative of the many years of service, leadership is tough whether its in the executive branch or trying to lead a number of other U.S. Senators. I think today regardless of people's party, or agreements or disagreements in the past, what we oughta be doing is saying thank you."
Beshear went on to tell reporters that although McConnell is ending his term in Senate leadership, he's still going to be around until his term ends in 2026.
"We expect to continue to work with him, we'll continue to call on him when we can get maybe a grant through or need help from the federal government," he added.
Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General (R)
“Kentucky’s own Mitch McConnell is the most consequential leader in Senate history. Leader McConnell has singlehandedly made sure Kentucky punches above our weight, and his legacy of accomplishment can be seen in every corner of the Bluegrass State. My family cherishes Leader McConnell’s kindness and mentorship—shared with us time and time again. It will continue to be a high honor to work with Leader McConnell as we serve our Commonwealth and the families who call it home.”
Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R)
House Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.)
"I was a little surprised when I heard the news. I don't think it's a secret that Leader McConnell and I have not always agreed on the issues, but he is the longest serving leader in the history of the United State Senate. He's an incredibly consequential legislator. He's shown time and again the ability to navigate the political waters within his caucus."
"I appreciate his bipartisan leadership in passing the bipartisan infrastructure law, avoiding government shutdowns, and securing funding for our international allies," he added. "We don’t see eye to eye on most issues, but we both believe in public service. Leader McConnell is only stepping down from his leadership role, and I look forward to working with him to support Kentuckians whenever possible.”
McGarvey told WHAS11 that although he thinks a turning of leadership is inherently good, he is a bit worried about the power vacuum left behind.
"I do worry in the United States Senate though, that could be a more extremist leadership. We've seen what the MAGA movement has done to the House, which is yielded total disfunction in the House of Representatives this year, while the Senate continues to pass bills and continues to pass aid for Ukraine and wanting to keep the government open. I hope that continues even in Leader McConnell's absence."
Don Fitzpatrick, Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman
“Like most Americans, the Jefferson County Republican Party is surprised to hear of Leader McConnell’s decision to step down from leadership in the US Senate in November. Though we are saddened by this news, we fully support his decision and have tremendous gratitude for all he has accomplished for our Nation, for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and for our local Republican Party. We are reassured that his vast experience will be of continued service to not only the US Senate but also to our Commonwealth."
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez, U.S. Senate candidate
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