McConnell Announces He Will Not Seek an Eighth Senate Term: Current Term Will Be His Last
On February 20, 2025, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky announced in a speech on the Senate floor in Washington, D.C., that he would not seek an eighth term in the Senate in 2026 and that his current term would be his last. The day was McConnell's 83rd birthday, and he said he had made the decision the previous year.
"Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate," McConnell said. "Representing our Commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last."
McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and took office in 1985. He served as the Senate Republican leader for nearly 18 years, from 2007 to 2025, the longest tenure of any Senate party leader in U.S. history. He stepped down as leader in early 2025 and was succeeded by Senator John Thune.
McConnell said he had "some unfinished business to attend to" and would serve out his current term through January 2027. In the speech, he looked back on issues including judicial confirmations and national defense.
McConnell thanked his wife, Elaine Chao, who served as U.S. secretary of labor and secretary of transportation. When his current term ends, McConnell will conclude a Senate career of more than 40 years. Kentucky's Senate seat will be on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections.
(Source: U.S. Senate)
Source: U.S. Senate
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：2024年10月30日，麦康奈尔在肯塔基州出席活动（CC0）；系其宣布不再连任前数月的近照。 / Photo: Senator Mitch McConnell in Kentucky on October 30, 2024 (CC0); a recent photo taken months before his announcement that he would not seek reelection.
