He announced the surprise decision in an emotional speech on the Senate floor.
Kentucky's Mitch McConnell, the longest serving Republican Senate leader in history, announces his decision to step down from that position in November in a speech on the Senate floor, in Washington, Feb 28, 2024.Kentucky's Mitch McConnell is stepping down as Senate Republican leader in November after nearly two decades in the role.
"So, I stand before you today, Mr. President and my colleagues, to say this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate," he continued. "I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. I'll complete my job my colleagues have given me to do until we select a new leader in November and they take the helm next January.
President Joe Biden, reacting to the news during an event at the White House, said he was "sorry to hear" McConnell was stepping down as leader. "I join my colleagues in saluting his historic contributions to the Republican Party and to the Congress," Johnson said. "His legacy will endure for generations."
"No Member of Congress has played a greater role in reshaping the federal judiciary than Mitch," Johnson said Wednesday.
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