Mitch McConnell announces he'll retire, ending his four-decade Senate career

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the longest-serving Senate leader in history, announced on his 83rd birthday Thursday that he won’t seek re-election next year, bringing an end to his four-decade career in the chamber.

McConnell, elected in 1984, climbed his way up to the Senate Republican leader position in 2007 and remained there until early 2025, serving during four administrations in the majority and the minority.