Mitch McConnell stepping down as GOP Leader in November, to not seek reelection

Courtesy: 112th Congress
Courtesy: 112th Congress

(Washington, D.C.) -- The longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate is announcing that he will be stepping down in November after the 2024 election. 

Mitch McConnell turned 82 last week, and announced his decision on the Senate floor at 12:30 p.m. on Capitol Hill. The minority leader is expected to serve out his senate term, which will end in January of 2027.

“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” McConnell said in prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press. “So I stand before you today ... to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”

McConnell cited no reason for his decision. However, the senator did speak about the death of his wife's youngest sister as a moment that brought the idea forward. 

"Im not going anywhere anytime soon. I will complete my job. I will finish the job the people of Kentucky people hired me to do," said McConnel on the Senate floor.