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, currently serving as the senior United States senator from Kentucky since 1985, making him the longest-serving senator in the state's history. He held the position of Senate Republican Conference leader from 2007 to 2025, with periods as both minority and majority leader. Notably, he holds the record as the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, specifically from 2015 to 2021 when he was the majority leader.
1944: Paralyzed by Polio Attack
In 1944, at the age of two, McConnell's upper left leg was paralyzed by a polio attack, leading to treatment at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation.
August 15, 1967: Honorably Discharged from Army Reserve
On August 15, 1967, McConnell was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve after being diagnosed with optic neuritis.
2013: Federal government shutdown
The federal government shut down on October 1–17, 2013, after Congress failed to enact legislation to fund it.
2014: Republicans Gain Control of Senate
In 2014, Republicans gained control of the Senate, and McConnell became majority leader, which he used to slow Obama's judicial appointments.
February 13, 2016: Antonin Scalia Death
On February 13, 2016, Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia died, leading McConnell to announce the Senate would not consider any Obama nominee for the vacancy.
March 16, 2016: Obama Nominates Merrick Garland
On March 16, 2016, Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. Under McConnell's direction, Senate Republicans refused to take any action on the nomination.
August 2016: McConnell speech on Blocking Obama SCOTUS Nominee
In August 2016, McConnell said that one of his proudest moments was telling Barack Obama he would not fill the Supreme Court vacancy.
October 2017: McConnell blamed for stalling Trump's legislation
In October 2017, White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon and other Trump allies blamed McConnell for stalling the Trump administration's legislation. McConnell responded by citing Neil Gorsuch's Supreme Court confirmation as proof of Senate support for Trump's agenda.
2017: Failure to Repeal Obamacare
In 2017, Republicans failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) despite consolidated Republican control of government, dimming McConnell's reputation as a skilled political strategist.
September 2018: Christine Blasey Ford Allegations Against Kavanaugh
In September 2018, Christine Blasey Ford publicly alleged that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her in 1982.
December 22, 2018: Federal government shutdown begins
From December 22, 2018, until January 25, 2019, the federal government shut down when Congress refused to give in to Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in federal funds for a U.S.–Mexico border wall.
January 25, 2019: Government shutdown ends
From December 22, 2018, until January 25, 2019, the federal government shut down when Congress refused to give in to Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in federal funds for a U.S.–Mexico border wall.
April 22, 2020: McConnell suggests states declare bankruptcy instead of receiving COVID-19 aid
Speaking on the Hugh Hewitt radio show on April 22, 2020, McConnell suggested that states should be able to declare bankruptcy instead of receiving additional COVID-19 aid funds. His comments were sharply criticized.
2020: McConnell refuses to recognize Biden's victory in 2020
In 2020, after Joe Biden defeated Trump in the election, McConnell initially refused to recognize Biden as the winner. While not repeating Trump's false voter fraud claims, McConnell avoided contradicting them, arguing Trump's right to challenge results, while celebrating Republican Senate and House wins.
January 12, 2021: McConnell reportedly supports impeaching Trump
On January 12, 2021, it was reported that McConnell supported impeaching Trump for inciting the January 6th Capitol attack, hoping it would help Republicans distance themselves from Trump.
April 10, 2021: Trump attacks McConnell
On April 10, 2021, Trump publicly called McConnell a "dumb son of a bitch" and questioned McConnell's gratitude for Trump having hired his wife. McConnell did not publicly respond to Trump's personal attacks.
May 28, 2021: McConnell votes against January 6th commission
On May 28, 2021, McConnell voted against the creation of an independent commission to investigate the January 6th United States Capitol attack, after seeking to organize Republican senators to filibuster it.
