Mitch McConnell Stepping Down as Republican Senate Leader Sparks Praise

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will step down from his position in November, the Kentucky Republican announced on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

McConnell's announcement sparked approval from some conservatives.

"We've now 86'd: McCarthy, McDaniel, McConnell. Better days are ahead for the Republican Party," Republican Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Context

McConnell, 81, is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history. He first took his Senate seat in 1985 and has been praised for his work as a conservative in Congress. But he has also been criticized for not standing up to Donald Trump during crucial moments like following the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

McConnell, who insisted last year that U.S.-Mexico border policy changes be included in the national security funding package in a bid to overcome opposition from House Republicans, has faced backlash from his GOP colleagues over the recently struck down bipartisan bill crafted by a coalition of Democratic and Republican senators.

The $118 billion deal, which was struck down this month, addressed key concerns at the southern border. However, conservative hardliners said the bill does not go far enough to end illegal immigration.

What We Know

McConnell gave no specific reason for the timing of his decision but cited the recent death of his wife's youngest sister as a moment of insight.

"The end of my contributions are closer than I'd prefer," McConnell said, according to AP.

"One of life's most underappreciated talents is to know when it's time to move on to life's next chapter," he said in prepared remarks obtained by AP. "So I stand before you today...to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate."

Aides told AP that McConnell's announcement about the leadership post was unrelated to his health despite facing a few incidents including a concussion from a fall last year and two public episodes in which his face briefly froze while he was speaking.

While McConnell will step down as Senate minority leader, he said he plans to serve out his Senate term, which ends in January 2027.

Shortly after news of McConnell's departure, some conservatives criticized him as they praise his decision.

Conservative commentator and former Trump adviser Steve Cortes wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "So soon?! Adios Mitch. You won't be missed."

However, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina disagreed and wrote on X: "Senator McConnell's announcement that he will not seek Republican leadership in the next Congress is truly a 'passing of the torch' moment for the U.S. Senate. Senator McConnell will be remembered as one of the most effective leaders in the history of the U.S. Senate."

Views

The announcement comes as other Republicans have been outspoken over their leadership, including McConnell's.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz said this month that he believes McConnell's time in leadership should come to an end. When asked by a reporter if it is time for McConnell to step down, Cruz said, "I think it is."

In addition, amid tension over another possible government shutdown Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri said on Tuesday his patience has run out as he criticized both sides of House leadership, saying that it's "just ridiculous" that a funding agreement hasn't been decided on sooner.

"This was supposed to be done in September," Hawley told CNN's Manu Raju on Tuesday. "I mean, this is now almost March? Well, this is just ridiculous. They have agreement on the top line. They've had it since January. This is why I voted against the last CR. They've just been kicking the can down the road. I can't believe that they didn't get work done over the weekend. They had months to do this stuff. I mean, I—my patience has run out."

In a press release emailed to Newsweek, McConnell pushed back on critics in his speech announcing the move.

"I think back to my first days in the Senate with a deep appreciation for the time that helped shape my view of the world," he said. "I am unconflicted about the good within our country and the irreplaceable role we play as the leader of the free world.

"It is why I worked so hard to get the national security package passed earlier this month. Believe me, I know the politics within my party at this particular moment in time. I have many faults, misunderstanding politics is not one of them."

What's Next?

Since McConnell's announcement, some have taken to X to speculate about a possible replacement.

The three contenders most likely to vie to replace McConnell that are being mentioned are John Thune of South Dakota, John Barrasso of Wyoming and John Cornyn of Texas.

Ron Filipkowski of the progressive MeidasTouch wrote: "Best case scenario for Republican leader in the Senate: John Thune. Worst case scenario: Rick Scott."

Radio host Jesse Kelly posted: "When you see McConnell is stepping down but then you remember his replacement [Thune or Cornyn] will be as bad or worse."

Update 2/28/24, 3:30 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.