Longtime Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Thursday he won’t seek reelection in 2026, ending his run as one of the most powerful lawmakers in the U.S. McConnell, a Republican first elected in 1984, is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history. He plans to serve out the remainder of his term until it ends in 2027.

Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday he will not seek re-election for his seat in 2026, ending his career as one of the body's most influential power broker.

Longtime Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection next year, he announced Thursday, ending a decadeslong run as one of the most powerful Republicans in the country.