Mitch McConnell stepping down: Who will replace the Senate Minority Leader?

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, who currently serves as Senate Minority Leader, has decided to step down from party leadership in November. Sen. McConnell has made the decision to remain in the Senate but will decrease his power and role within the Republican conference. The Kentucky leader won re-election in 2020, meaning he still has two years left in his term. This news comes after two very public health scares that questioned his ability to serve in his role.

What does McConnell’s departure from leadership mean for the GOP?

Elected to the US Senate in 1985, Sen. McConnell is the longest-serving party leader of Congress’s upper chamber.

Who could replace McConnell?

Sen. McConnell’s replacement will likely be picked from the GOP Senate Leadership, consisting of Republican Whip John Thune (R-SD), Republican Conference Chair John Barrasso (R-WY), Republican Policy Committee Chair Joni Ernst (R-IA), Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT). Most members were present when Senator McConnell experienced health issues and could not respond to media questions. They assisted the Minority Leader in departing the cameras to a more private setting.