On February 28, 2024, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell announced that he would be stepping down in November. McConnell (82) is the longest-serving senate leader in history. He was first elected into the senate in 1985 under president Ronald Regan.
During his time serving in the senate, McConnell first earned his reputation as a tough leader who stood his ground, but later on McConnell showed larger signs of willingness to compromise. Some things McConnell did while in the Senate are advancing the Republican agenda in the Senate, involvement in COVID-19 relife packages, and defending the coal industry. McConnell also played a key role in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and was a very vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
During his goodbye announcement, McConnell solemnly stated, “The end of my contributions are closer than I’d prefer…” McConnell did not give a direct reason as to why he was leaving so suddenly, but many think that his health may be the leading cause. McConnell had a concussion in the fall of 2023 and two public episodes where his face froze for a few seconds while he was speaking. His aides said that his decision was not health related, but many are still positive it could be a primary factor. Other theories as to why he left are that he didn’t want to have to deal with former president Donald Trump if he got re-elected. His relationship with Trump has been bumpy because he endorsed Rand Paul in the 2016 presidential election and he refused to acknowledge that the 2020 election was rigged in favor of Joe Biden.
Mitch McConnell has had a very long and productive career, though he has many critics, many people respect and support him. When asked about McConnell’s decision, president Biden said, “I’m proud that my friend Mitch McConnell and I have been able to do that for many years, working together in good faith even though we have many political disagreements.” Whether you like McConnel or not, it is undeniable that he has had one of the most iconic careers in American Politics. Mitch McConnell’s legacy will long be remembered for years to come.