Sen. Mitch McConnell announced he will not be seeking reelection in 2026, ending his career as the longest Senate party leader in United States history, according to the Associated Press.

McConnell (KY-R) in a speech on the Senate floor on Feb. 20 said he will not run for another term in Kentucky and plans to retire when his current term ends in January 2027. 

“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,” McConnell said.

Kentucky will now have an open seat in the Senate that will be up for competition. Gov. Andy Beshear is seen as a contender but is said to not have an interest in running, according to WUKY.

“I’m completely ruling out a run for any open Senate seat in 2026. I love this job. We’re seeing amazing things happen in the Commonwealth,” Beshear said. “I’m going to keep doing this job every day for this four-year term I was elected to.”

Former Attorney General of Kentucky, Daniel Cameron, has mentioned his interest in running for Senate, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. 

“I would be honored to serve in the United States Senate. Kentucky needs a Senator who will help President Trump advance his America First Agenda,” Cameron said. 

According to the Herald-Leader, Central Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District Rep. Andy Barr has also been reported to have said he wants to run for McConnell’s Senate seat.

McConnell’s final message in his speech to the Senate reflected on the future of the Senate and his remaining term.

“The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence,” McConnell said. “And, to the disappointment of my critics, I’m still here on the job.”