Sen Mitch McConnell announced on Thursday that he will not seek reelection in 2026. The 83-year-old unveiled his plan to The Associated Press on his birthday, saying in prepared remarks for a Senate floor speech that representing Kentucky in the Senate since 1985 has been 'the honor of a lifetime'.

Mitch McConnell announced he will retire at the end of his current term in 2026, capping a long tenure in the Senate. McConnell, who is married to Elaine Chao, celebrated his 83rd birthday and reflects on his decades of service.

Addressing colleagues on the Senate floor on Thursday, McConnell, 83, said, "Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of my lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last." He added that his birthday, February 20, was a good time to make his announcement.