Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell has announced that he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.

Summary

Sen. Mitch McConnell announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, marking the end of his long career as a Republican leader.

The longest-serving Senate party leader, McConnell played a key role in shaping the Supreme Court, tax cuts, and major political battles but saw his influence wane amid Trump-era populism.

His departure signals a shift in the GOP, as a competitive race for his Kentucky Senate seat looms.

McConnell pledged to continue advocating for national defense and other priorities before retiring in January 2027.

  • Snot Flickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    431·
    3 days ago

    McConnell isn’t the cool hero walking away from an explosion without looking back, like he thinks he is.

    He’s the Joker fiddling with the controls because the explosion didn’t happen how he expected, and now when it finally does pop off he’s shocked and runs.