Early Life and Education of Mitch McConnell: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Mitch McConnell, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
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.
February 20, 1942: Mitch McConnell Born
On February 20, 1942, Addison Mitchell McConnell III was born. He would later become a prominent American politician and the longest-serving senator in Kentucky history.
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.
1950: Moved to Augusta, Georgia
In 1950, when he was eight, McConnell moved with his family from Athens to Augusta, Georgia, where his father was stationed at Fort Gordon.
1956: Moved to Louisville, Kentucky
In 1956, McConnell's family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he later attended duPont Manual High School.
1963: Attended the March on Washington
In 1963, McConnell attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.
1964: Graduated from the University of Louisville
In 1964, McConnell graduated from the University of Louisville with a B.A. in political science with honors.
1964: Attended Civil Rights Rallies
In 1964, at the age of 22, McConnell attended civil rights rallies and interned with Senator John Sherman Cooper.
March 1967: Enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve
In March 1967, McConnell enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve as a private at Louisville shortly before his educational draft deferment expired.
July 9, 1967: Began Army Reserve Training
On July 9, 1967, Mitch McConnell's first day of training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, was two days after taking the bar exam.
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.
1967: Graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law
In 1967, McConnell graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was president of the Student Bar Association.
1985: Elected to the US Senate
In 1985, Mitch McConnell was elected as the United States Senator from Kentucky, beginning his long tenure in the Senate.
February 20, 2025: Announces Retirement from Politics
On February 20, 2025, which was his 83rd birthday, Mitch McConnell announced that he would not run for an eighth Senate term in 2026 and would retire from politics.
2026: Retirement from Politics
In 2026, Mitch McConnell is expected to retire from politics, as announced on February 20, 2025.
