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Mitch McConnell Announces Retirement, Sparking Competitive Race for Senate Seat

Senator Mitch McConnell, ending a 40-year career, announces he will not seek reelection, triggering a scramble among Kentucky Republicans for his seat.

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Mitch McConnell announces retirement from Senate, won't run for reelection in 2026

CBS News

Mitch McConnell announces he will not seek reelection next year

ABC News

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Straight Arrow News

Mitch McConnell announces he'll retire, ending his four-decade Senate career

NBC News

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PBS NewsHour

Sen. Mitch McConnell says he will not seek reelection in 2026

NPR

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The Guardian

Mitch McConnell announces he will retire, ending his decadeslong Senate career

CNBC

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The Post Millennial

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USA TODAY

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MSNBC

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The Hill

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Daily Caller

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New York Post

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CNN

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Associated Press

Sen. McConnell Won't Seek Reelection, Ending Tenure as GOP Power Broker

Newsmax

Overview

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Senator Mitch McConnell, 83, announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, marking the end of his 40-year tenure. Following his announcement, a crowded field of potential Republican candidates emerged, signaling a fierce primary anticipated in Kentucky’s GOP stronghold. Among the early contenders are former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Rep. Andy Barr, who expressed intentions to run shortly after McConnell's speech. McConnell's retirement comes amid recent health issues and marks a significant shift in Kentucky's political landscape, with an eye on the potential influence of Trump's MAGA movement on his successor.

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Who could replace Mitch McConnell? Four potential candidates

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Who could replace Mitch McConnell? Four potential candidates

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The race to replace Mitch McConnell is already on: From the Politics Desk

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The race to replace Mitch McConnell is already on: From the Politics Desk

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Mitch McConnell's retirement sparks a political explosion in Kentucky

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Mitch McConnell's retirement sparks a political explosion in Kentucky

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Potential Mitch McConnell successors begin lining up for Kentucky's Senate race

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Potential Mitch McConnell successors begin lining up for Kentucky's Senate race

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Mitch McConnell announces retirement from Senate, won't run for reelection in 2026

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Mitch McConnell announces retirement from Senate, won't run for reelection in 2026

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Mitch McConnell announces he will not seek reelection next year

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Mitch McConnell announces he will not seek reelection next year

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Sen. Mitch McConnell announces retirement, won’t seek reelection in 2026

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Sen. Mitch McConnell announces retirement, won’t seek reelection in 2026

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Mitch McConnell announces he'll retire, ending his four-decade Senate career

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Mitch McConnell announces he'll retire, ending his four-decade Senate career

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Sen. Mitch McConnell says he will not seek reelection in 2026

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Sen. Mitch McConnell says he will not seek reelection in 2026

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Mitch McConnell announces he will retire, ending his decadeslong Senate career

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Sen. Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection in 2026

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Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker

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Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker

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: Senator Mitch McConnell's decision not to seek reelection in 2026 was likely influenced by his age, health issues, and the changing dynamics within the GOP, which has shifted towards populism under President Trump's influence.
TIME, CBS News
: Potential candidates for McConnell's seat include former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Rep. Andy Barr, both of whom have expressed interest in running.
TIME, 270toWin
: McConnell's retirement marks a significant shift in Kentucky's political landscape, potentially allowing for a new generation of leadership influenced by Trump's MAGA movement, given the state's strong GOP lean.
TIME, 270toWin
: McConnell's legacy will be remembered for his role in reshaping the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, and his strategic leadership in the Senate, which included guiding tax cuts and presidential impeachment trials.
TIME, CBS News

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