Mitch McConnell announced he will retire at the end of his current term in 2026, capping a long tenure in the Senate. McConnell, who is married to Elaine Chao, celebrated his 83rd birthday and reflects on his decades of service.

Longtime Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Thursday he won’t seek reelection in 2026, ending his run as one of the most powerful lawmakers in the U.S. McConnell, a Republican first elected in 1984, is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history. He plans to serve out the remainder of his term until it ends in 2027.