Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced on the Senate floor Wednesday that he would step down from his leadership position later this year, saying, “Father Time remains undefeated,” and “the next generation of leaders… The time has come.”
McConnell, already the longest-serving Senate leader in history, is scheduled to step down at the end of this Congress in early January 2025.
“I turned 82 last week,” a noticeably exhausted Mr. McConnell said on the Senate floor. “The end of my contribution is closer than I had hoped.”
Featured — Exclusive — Donald Trump: Mitch McConnell’s health issues ‘sad’, he should resign:
Matthew Perdie / Breitbart News, Jack Knudsen / Breitbart News
Mr. McConnell recalled his years in the Senate since he entered the Senate in 1985 (though he referred to 1984 in his speech) as “with deep gratitude,” saying those years “helped shape[his]worldview.” “It’s been helpful,” he said, but admitted he feels out of place now.
“We remain unapologetic about the goodness of our country and the irreplaceable role we play as leaders of the free world,” the Senate veteran said. That’s why I worked so hard to get the National Security Policy passed earlier this month. ”
The fight in early February over foreign aid and pro-immigration measures that failed to garner majority support among Senate Republicans meant McConnell’s position was increasingly out of alignment with Republican senators and voters. highlighted. Mr. McConnell worked with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to prioritize the policy over overwhelming opposition within his own party.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) pose for a photo at the U.S. Capitol on July 27, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
“Trust me, I know the politics within the party at this particular moment,” McConnell said. “I have many flaws. Misunderstanding politics is not one of them.”
“But the year is 2024, and as the book of Ecclesiastes tells us, there is a season to everything and a time to every purpose under heaven,” he continued. “One of the most underrated talents in life is knowing when it’s time to move on to the next chapter of your life. So I stand before the President and my colleagues today and say this is my role as Republican leader. I would like to inform you that this will be my last term.”
Mr. McConnell’s health problems have placed even more scrutiny on his continued leadership. In addition to falls and unexplained bruises, twice in the past year he froze in front of crowds and cameras, unable to move or speak for about half an hour, forcing colleagues to help him slowly limp away. I needed to get it.
WATCH — Mitch McConnell freezes mid-speech and walks away from the podium:
sea span
Regardless of questions about his health, McConnell has vowed to complete his Senate term, which expires in January 2027 when he turns 85.
“I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Until we elect a new leader in November and they take the reins next January, I’m going to do the job my colleagues have given me. I’ll do the job you hired me to do, even from another seat. And I actually look forward to it.”
Mr. McConnell’s resignation will likely meet the approval of some colleagues, but his schedule may not. “Why wait so long?” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) Asked. “We need new leadership now.”
I called on Mr. McConnell to resign more than a year ago. This is good news.But why wait so long – we need new leaders now https://t.co/IG7wgaNI6Z
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) February 28, 2024
But Mr. McConnell appears determined to remain at the top of the Republican leadership until the November election, and may well be able to do so. Senate Republicans will meet after these elections to choose new leadership for the next Congress.
“I still have enough gas in the tank to completely disappoint my critics,” he said. “And I intend to do so with the same enthusiasm they are accustomed to.”
Bradley Jay is Breitbart News’ Capitol Hill correspondent. Follow him on X/Twitter. @BradleyAJay.
