Sen. Mitch McConnell, the former Senate GOP leader, announced Thursday that he won’t seek reelection in 2026 and will retire after finishing his term. 

Mr. McConnell shared his decision in prepared remarks with The Associated Press ahead of the formal announcement, delivered in a floor speech on his 83rd birthday. 

“Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate,” Mr. McConnell said. “Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business right here. Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.”

Mr. McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and climbed the ranks, ultimately serving 18 years as GOP leader in the chamber, the longest reign of any Senate party leader.

• Lindsey McPherson can be reached at lmcpherson@washingtontimes.com.