Mitch McConnell to step down as Republican Senate leader in November

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Wednesday that he will step down as Republican leader in the Senate in November.

McConnell, 82, revealed his plans in an address to the Senate, where he currently serves as minority leader.

McConnell, who is the longest-serving Senate caucus leader in history, plans to keep his seat in the chamber, which he took in 1985. His current term ends in January 2027.

“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter, so I stand before you today, Mr. President and my colleagues, to say this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate,” McConnell said.

He noted “this has been a particularly difficult time for my family,” including his wife, former Cabinet secretary Elaine Chao.