Mitch McConnell stops as leader of Republicans in the Senate, but remains as senator: “Still enough to disappoint my critics” | Abroad

McConnell served as Senate minority or majority leader for nearly two decades. That makes him the longest-serving Senate leader in American history. He has served in the Senate of Congress on behalf of the state of Kentucky since 1985 and succeeded William H. Frist as Republican leader in 2007.

News agency ‘AP’ previously reported that 82-year-old McConnell would announce his decision in the Senate, and he did so. “This will be my last term as Republican leader. I will not leave immediately,” he said, according to American media.

McConnell said he is no longer the youngest, and it is time to hand leadership to a new generation. “My colleagues have given me time until we elect a new leader in November, who will take over in January. I will complete the job the people of Kentucky gave me, but from a different chair.”

The senator said he looks forward to his future in the Senate. “I still have the energy to deeply disappoint my critics and I intend to do so with all the enthusiasm they have become accustomed to,” McConnell said.

In the past, there has been widespread concern about McConnell after he suddenly stopped talking at press conferences several times in just a few weeks, as seen in the video below. After questions from reporters, McConnell remained silent for 30 seconds and stared into space. According to his spokesperson, he then felt light-headed. His doctors then reported that there is no medical reason why he should stop work.

Despite his impressive resume and advanced age, McConnell is neither the longest-serving senator nor the oldest. Those titles go to his 90-year-old party colleague Chuck Grassley, who has been in the Senate for four years on behalf of the state of Iowa.