Senator Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection in 2026

GOOD RIDDANCE.

After voting against Trump nominees Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr., Republican Senator "Moscow" Mitch McConnell announced on February 20 that he will not seek reelection in 2026.

The news about McConnell was confirmed on his 83rd birthday.

Despite numerous falls and health issues, including multiple instances where he just seemed to "freeze" during important moments, McConnell has hung on to become the longest-serving party leader in Senate history.

Mitch McConnell escorted away from cameras after freezing mid-news conference. pic.twitter.com/yTrERJe78D

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 26, 2023

The Associated Press is reporting that it didn't take long for a scramble to break out for McConnell's soon-to-be-vacated Senate seat in Kentucky.

Breitbart reports that "Kentucky businessman Nate Morris is among the top names considering a run for his seat."

The Associated Press confirmed that former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron jumped into the campaign almost as soon as McConnell's retirement was confirmed.

Cameron is looking for a political comeback after losing his bid for governor in 2023.

The same article reports that US Representative Andy Barr has already signaled that he will announce his plans to run for McConnell's vacant seat soon. Barr claims he's been "encouraged" by the support around him.

Despite the election prize being a highly coveted Senate seat that's not been open for more than 40 years, Democrats have remained relatively quiet about the prospect of taking it over.

Perhaps that's because Kentucky has turned solidly Republican in recent years.

Two of the state's most prominent Democrats, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, indicated they will NOT enter the Senate race.

In similar news for Republicans out of Kentucky, US Representative James Comer has confirmed he will not run for Senate next year but is "strongly considering" a run for governor in 2027, a Comer spokesperson said.

Do you have a preference for who replaces McConnell in the Senate?