McConnell's exit as Senate leader means new uncertainty as GOP falls in line with Trump
Long before Sen. Mitch McConnell surprised colleagues by announcing he would be stepping down as the Republican leader this fall, he knew the time had come
By LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK
Published - Feb 28, 2024, 04:54 PM ET
Last Updated - Feb 28, 2024, 04:54 PM EST
WASHINGTON (AP) — Long before Sen. Mitch McConnell surprised colleagues Wednesday announcing he would step down as the Republican leader this fall, he knew the time had come.
Hard-right Republican senators aligned with Donald Trump wanted to oust him. Trump was easily becoming the party's frontrunner for a do-over election with President Joe Biden. And, having largely recovered his health from a devastating fall last year, McConnell was back on his game.
“Believe me, I know the politics within my party at this particular moment in time,” McConnell said in a speech delivered midday Wednesday from the Senate floor.
