Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will step down from his post in November, the Kentucky Republican announced, ending an era on Capitol Hill and setting off a race to succeed him, CNN reported.
McConnell, who turned 82 last week, said "the end of my contributions is closer than I prefer."
"While I've been thinking about when I'm going to announce some news to the Senate, I've always envisioned a moment when I have complete clarity and peace of mind about the sunset of my work. A moment when I am certain I have helped preserve the ideals I believe in so strongly. That day is today," he said.
McConnell has long been a towering figure in Washington and made history during his political tenure.
In 2018, McConnell reached a key milestone, surpassing former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas to become the longest-serving Republican leader in House history.
McConnell said his decision to step down came after the death of his wife Elaine Chao's youngest sister, Angela, in a car accident earlier this month.
"As some of you may know, this has been a particularly difficult time for my family. Just a few weeks ago we tragically lost Elaine's younger sister, Angela. When you lose a loved one, especially at a young age, the grieving process is accompanied by some introspection. Perhaps it's God's way of reminding you of your own life's journey, to rethink the impact of the world we will all inevitably leave behind," he says.
He thanked his wife of 31 years, calling her "the love of my life" and that "I am eternally grateful to have her by my side." / BGNES
