On February 28, Senate Republican Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced he would step down as leader of the Senate Republicans in November. The longest-serving Senate leader in U.S. history, Sen. McConnell said he would continue as the Senate’s Republican leader for the rest of this year (at least until the chamber’s GOP Senators elect a new leader after the November general elections). He also said he would finish his Senate term—that is until the end of 2026.

Sen. McConnell has led Senate Republicans since 2007. His mastery of Senate rules and processes and his commitment to a “working Senate” are legendary. A staunch (and frequently successful) proponent of Republican issues, he has often found a way to compromise on many a knotty (and partisan) issue, when seemingly no one else could. Sen. McConnell is 82 years old and has battled several serious health issues in the last year or so.

Prospects: While Sen. McConnell will continue as Republican Leader for the next eight months, the race to succeed him has already started. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) threw his hat into the ring on February 29. Sen. John Thune announced his bid the following week. Other Senators may enter the race, too. The new leader will be elected by GOP Senators—including Senators-elect after the November general elections, probably in late November. Thus, the November election results could have a significant impact on the outcome of the Senate GOP Leader race.

NAIFA Staff Contacts: Diane Boyle – Senior Vice President – Government Relations, at dboyle@naifa.org, Michael Hedge – Senior Director – Government Relations, at mhedge@naifa.org, or Jayne Fitzgerald – Director – Government Relations, at jfitzgerald@naifa.org.