Challenges Faced by Mitch McConnell: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Mitch McConnell faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Addison Mitchell McConnell III is a prominent American politician and retired attorney. He has served as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky since 1985, making him the longest-serving senator in the state's history. From 2007 to 2025, he led the Senate Republican Conference, holding positions as both minority and majority leader. Notably, he holds the record for the longest tenure as a Senate party leader in U.S. history (2015-2021).

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1944: Polio Attack

In 1944, at the age of two, McConnell's upper left leg was paralyzed by a polio attack while living in Alabama, requiring treatment at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation.

2012: McConnell's low approval ratings

In 2012, a poll found that Mitch McConnell had the lowest home-state approval rating of any sitting senator.

2013: Government shutdown

In 2013, the federal government shut down due to Congress's failure to enact legislation to fund it.

2016: McConnell's low approval ratings continue

In 2016, another poll showed Mitch McConnell had the lowest home-state approval rating of any sitting senator.

October 2017: Response to criticism for stalling Trump's legislation

In October 2017, after being blamed by Stephen Bannon and other Trump allies for stalling the Trump administration's legislation, Mitch McConnell cited Neil Gorsuch's confirmation to the Supreme Court as evidence that the Senate supported Trump's agenda.

2017: Failure to Repeal Obamacare

In 2017, McConnell's reputation as a skilled political strategist was tarnished after Republicans failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) despite consolidated Republican control of government.

2017: McConnell's high disapproval ratings

In 2017, Mitch McConnell had the highest disapproval rating of any senator, with a 49% disapproval rate.

2017: McConnell's approval rating in 2017

Starting in the first quarter of 2017, McConnell's approval rating had been underwater since the first quarter of 2017, when it was 44% positive and 47% negative.

December 22, 2018: Government shuts down over border wall funding

On December 22, 2018, the federal government shut down because Congress refused to meet President Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

2018: McConnell's worst approval rating

In the fourth quarter of 2018, McConnell's approval rating was at its worst since 2017, with a 38% positive rating and a 47% negative rating among Kentuckians.

January 25, 2019: Government shutdown continues

As of January 25, 2019, the federal government remained shut down due to disagreements over funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

August 2019: Poll averages show low approval for McConnell

In August 2019, poll averages from The Economist/YouGov, Politico/Morning Consult, and Harvard-Harris showed Mitch McConnell with 23% favorable and 48% unfavorable ratings.

September 2019: Morning Consult finds McConnell's approval rating underwater

In September 2019, the Morning Consult found that Mitch McConnell's approval rating had been underwater since the first quarter of 2017, with his ratings at 36% positive and 50% negative as of the second quarter of 2019.

September 10, 2020: COVID-19 relief bill fails in the Senate

On September 10, 2020, Mitch McConnell's pared-down COVID-19 relief bill failed to pass the Senate due to a Democratic filibuster, with Democrats deeming the bill "completely inadequate".

2020: Criticism of Trump's Election Overturn Attempts

In 2020, McConnell criticized Trump's attempts to overturn the presidential election results.

2020: McConnell not the least popular senator

In 2020, Susan Collins edged out Mitch McConnell as the least popular senator with a 52% unfavorable rating from Maine voters compared to 50% for McConnell.