‘Good riddance': Internet reacts as Mitch McConnell announces he is stepping down as Senate leader in November

WASHINGTON, DC: Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, the longest serving senate leader, announced on Wednesday, February 28, that this will be his last term as a Republican leader.

The 82-year-old senator from Kentucky said he will remain in the Senate but will hand over the leadership role to a new generation of Republicans in November.

Mitch McConnell cites family tragedy as a factor in his decision

McConnell said his decision was influenced by the recent death of his sister-in-law, Angela, who was killed in a car crash earlier this month. 

“I’ll complete my job. My colleagues have given me until we select a new leader in November and they take the helm next January. I’ll finish the job that people Kentucky hired me to do as well – albeit from a different seat,” McConnell said.

He said the loss of a loved one made him reflect on his own life and legacy. "As some of you may know, this has been a particularly difficult time for my family. We tragically lost Elaine’s younger sister, Angela, just a few weeks ago. When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there’s a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process," he said.

"Perhaps it is God’s way of reminding you of your own life’s journey to reprioritize the impact of the world that we will all inevitably leave behind,” he added, CNN noted.

He also thanked his wife of 31 years, Elaine Chao, the former transportation secretary, for her support and love saying he was "eternally grateful to have her by my side.”

Mitch McConnell praises the Senate and vows to fight for Republican values

McConnell said he loves the Senate and is proud of his achievements. He said he still gets a thrill from walking into the Capitol and working on behalf of his state and his country.

"I love the Senate. It has been my life. There may be more distinguished members of this body throughout our history, but I doubt there are any with more admiration for it," he said. the Guardian reported. 

“After all this time, I still get a thrill walking into the Capitol and especially on this venerable floor knowing that we – each of us – have the honor to represent our states and do the important work of our country,” he added.

"But Father Time remains undefeated," McConnell said, adding "I am no longer the young man sitting in the back, hoping colleagues would remember my name. It is time for the next generation of leadership."

'I still have enough gas in my tank,' says Mitch McConnell

Mitch McConnell also said he is ready to pass the torch to a new leader who will continue to advance the Republican agenda and challenge the Democratic majority.

“Next year, I intend to turn this job over to a Republican majority leader. I have full confidence in my conference to choose my replacement and lead our country forward,” he said.

He added that he will not back down from his critics and will remain a staunch defender of conservative principles until the end of his term.

“I still have enough gas in my tank to thoroughly disappoint my critics, and I intend to do so with all the enthusiasm with which they’ve become accustomed,” he said.

Internet reacts as Mitch McConnell announces his decision to step down 

The internet was not kind to Mitch McConnell who has faced criticism for continuing office despite his recent and recurrent freezing episodes.

Even as some internet users rejoiced, critics continued to lash at him following his announcement to step down as GOP leader in the Senate. 

"If this doesn't make you feel good, what will? God bless America," a user wrote on X.  "Good riddance. He has fully corrupted the Supreme Court, and we will all be paying for it for generations," another user lashed out. 

"Is he staying in the Senate?" questioned one more. Another added, "He needs to go today Not in November." One more X user wrote, "Good he needs to retire it’s overdue."

"Good riddance," one simply put, another added, "Stayed waaaay too long. History will be unkind, as it should be."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.