Sen. Mitch McConnell announces his departure from US Senate

Former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has announced he won’t be seeking reelection in 2026 and is expected to deliver remarks on his tenure from the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Thursday.

You can watch the floor proceedings here.

More: Sen. Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection in 2026

McConnell’s press office confirmed an Associated Press report that said the senator would not seek an eighth term. He’s set to make the announcement later today on the Senate floor.

McConnell has been one of the most influential political leaders of his era, joining the U.S. Senate in 1984 and serving as the GOP’s leader in the chamber from 2007 through 2024 before giving up the position to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota. His time as Senate leader is the longest by a member of any party in history.

Today marks McConnell’s 83rd birthday.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won’t seek reelection in 2026, announces departure