Mitch McConnell bids farewell as Senate GOP leader

For those who have been waiting for years to see Mitch McConnell lose some power, the time is almost here.

According to the Washington Examiner, "Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) bid farewell Friday to his tenure as the longest-serving party leader of the chamber, a post he's held for nearly the past 18 years."

McConnell's current term doesn't expire until early 2027. However, his return in January for the new Congress will mark the first time since 2007 that he won't be the ringleader of Senate Republicans.

As of now, that job will be handed to McConnell's successor, John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota.

“I've made it clear this year that our colleagues haven't seen the last of me,” McConnell said during his last speech as GOP leader . "I still fully intend to keep frustrating my critics in the years ahead."

McConnell's been a senator for four decades, so he wanted to share a "few observations he picked up along the way" with the full chamber of senators.

His main advice? Bipartisanship.

"I've heard folks who like making a point they'd rather serve with 30 colleagues who all agreed than a majority who didn't," McConnell said. “So, if you want to accomplish absolutely nothing -- nothing -- sign up with the group.”

"I don't care to count how many times I've reminded our colleagues -- and our House counterparts -- how harmful it is to shut the government down and how foolish it is to bet that your own side won't take the blame for it,” McConnell added.

"Recent history doesn't leave a whole lot of room for interpretation on that one: when you try to use normal government function as a bargaining chip, you pay a political price."

“Folks come to Washington to do one of two things: either to make a point or to make a difference,” McConnell concluded. "It's usually not that hard to tell who's doing which, especially in situations like the one we're in right now."

McConnell is already 82 and has not yet stated his 2026 reelection plans.

What do you hope Mitch McConnell decides to do next year?

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