
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's decision not to seek re-election in 2026 set off celebrations among many conservatives, who cheered the end of an era they saw as long overdue.
"Mitch McConnell, whose birthday is today, will not be running for reelection in 2026. Good," wrote conservative commentator Collin Rugg, adding, "McConnell is 83 years old and has been a Senator in Kentucky since 1985."