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 an American politician and attorney currently serving as the senior United States senator from Kentucky, a position he has held since 1985. He is Kentucky's longest-serving senator. McConnell served as the leader of the Senate Republican Conference from 2007 to 2025, with periods as both minority and majority leader. His tenure as Senate party leader from 2015 to 2021, makes him the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history.

Sections (7)

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

1938: Lowest Voter Support in Primary

In 2014, Mitch McConnell's 60.2% win in the Republican primary was the lowest voter support for a Kentucky U.S. senator in a primary since 1938.

1944: Polio Attack

In 1944, at the age of two, Mitch McConnell's upper left leg was paralyzed by a polio attack.

August 15, 1967: Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army Reserve

On August 15, 1967, Mitch McConnell was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve after being diagnosed with optic neuritis.

1971: Return to Louisville

In 1971, Mitch McConnell returned to Louisville, where he worked on Tom Emberton's unsuccessful campaign for governor of Kentucky.

October 2010: Goal to Make Obama a One-Term President

In October 2010, Mitch McConnell stated that the single most important thing he wanted to achieve was for President Obama to be a one-term president.

2010: Congress Banned Earmarks

In 2010, Congress banned the practice of earmarks, which Mitch McConnell regularly obtained for businesses and institutions in Kentucky.

2011: Debt-Ceiling Crisis

In 2011, during the debt-ceiling crisis, Mitch McConnell said he had learned that "it's a hostage that's worth ransoming".

2012: Lowest Home-State Approval Rating

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

2013: Elimination of Filibuster for Presidential Nominations

In 2013, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid eliminated the filibuster for all presidential nominations except the Supreme Court.

2013: Federal Government Shutdown

In 2013, the federal government shut down from October 1–17, after Congress failed to enact legislation to fund it.

2016: Lowest Home-State Approval Rating

In 2016, a poll found that Mitch McConnell had the lowest home-state approval rating of any sitting senator.

2017: Highest Disapproval Rating

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

2017: Failure to Repeal Obamacare

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

2017: Approval Rating Underwater

In the first quarter of 2017, Mitch McConnell's approval rating was 44% positive and 47% negative.

December 22, 2018: Government Shutdown Begins

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

2018: Worst Approval Rating

In the fourth quarter of 2018, Mitch McConnell had a 38% positive rating and a 47% negative rating among Kentuckians.

August 2019: Polls Show Unfavorable Rating

From the end of July through August 2019, an average of polls showed Mitch McConnell with a 23% favorable and 48% unfavorable rating.

September 2019: 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, and as of the second quarter of 2019, his ratings were 36% positive and 50% negative.

September 10, 2020: COVID-19 Relief Bill Fails in 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 calling the bill "completely inadequate".

2020: Criticism of Trump's Attempts to Overturn the Election

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

2020: 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.