Mitch McConnell R-Ky., who has served in the United States Senate since 1985, announced today he will not seek another term.
McConnell said, “This will be my last term as Republican Leader of the Senate.” McConnell, who seemed emotional, added, “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, however I will complete the job my colleagues have given me until we select a new Leader in November and they take the helm next January.”
In 2022 McConnell received backlash when he said, “African American” voters cast ballots at similar rates to “Americans.” Many interpreted the statement to mean African Americans are not actual Americans. In 1988, McConnell voted against the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. The bill eventually passed but President Reagan vetoed the bill. When the Senate sought to override the veto, McConnell voted against the override attempt by the Senate in March 1988.
Recently, the 82-year-old Senate has appeared unwell in public.
