Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell, announced on Wednesday, February 28th, that he’s stepping down has the leader of the republican party in November. He made the announcement of his stepping down on the senate floor, marking the end of the position he’s held since 2007. He still plans to finish his term in the senate, which ends in 2027.
The election for his replacement will he held in November 2024 and his successor will take office in January 2025. This will increase political tension around this time, especially with the highly anticipated presidential election happening at the same time.
When McConnell was speaking on the senate floor, he said, “One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter, so I stand before you today, Mr. President and my colleagues, to say this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”
President Biden said in a statement regarding their differing political views that “During his many years of leadership, we could always speak with each other honestly and put the country ahead of ourselves.”
Who is Mitch McConnell
McConnell was born in Alabama in 1942 before moving to Kentucky when he was 13, where he spent most of his adolescence. He later graduated from the University of Kentucky Law School in 1967. After graduating he worked many positions in law and government, paving his way to the senate.
Potential reasons he resigned
Many cite his age and recent loss in his family as potential reasons for his resignation. McConnell is 82 years old and many are concerned with his health, especially after his fall that caused a concussion back in March 2023. This incident caused him to be on leave for 6 weeks to recover.
People are also concerned with him freezing during a press conference before being escorted away. This has happened on multiple occasions.
Who will take his position
Going forward, there are three people who are anticipated to take McConnell’s spot in November. The candidates, who some are referring to as the “three Johns,” includes senator John Barrasso from Wyoming, senator John Cornyn from Texas, and senator John Thune from South Dakota.
