History of Mitch McConnell in Timeline
Addison Mitchell McConnell III is an American politician and retired attorney who has served as the senior United States senator from Kentucky since 1985. He is the longest-serving senator in Kentucky's history. McConnell has held various leadership roles in the Senate, including Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Majority Whip. He has been the leader of the Senate Republican Conference since 2007, making him the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history.
1917: Birth of Mitch McConnell's Father
Mitch McConnell's father, Addison Mitchell "A.M." McConnell II, was born in 1917.
1919: Birth of Mitch McConnell's Mother
Mitch McConnell's mother, Julia Odene "Dean" (née Shockley), was born in 1919.
February 20, 1942: Birth of Mitch McConnell
Addison Mitchell McConnell III was born on February 20, 1942.
1944: Mitch McConnell Contracts Polio
At the age of two in 1944, McConnell was paralyzed by a polio attack. Treatment at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation potentially saved him from lifelong disability.
1950: Mitch McConnell's Family Moves to Georgia
When McConnell was eight, his family moved to Augusta, Georgia in 1950.
1951: Historical Context of Judicial Confirmations
In 1951, the number of judicial confirmations was notably low, setting a historical context for McConnell's actions in later years.
1952: Historical Context of Judicial Confirmations
In 1952, the number of judicial confirmations remained low, continuing the trend from the previous year.
1956: Mitch McConnell Moves to Kentucky
McConnell's family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1956.
1963: Mitch McConnell Attends March on Washington
McConnell attended the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
1964: Mitch McConnell Attends Civil Rights Rallies and Interns with John Sherman Cooper
At the age of 22 in 1964, McConnell attended civil rights rallies and interned with Senator John Sherman Cooper, which he said inspired him to pursue a Senate career.
1964: Mitch McConnell Graduates College
McConnell graduated from the University of Louisville with a B.A. in political science in 1964.
March 1967: Mitch McConnell Enlists in the U.S. Army Reserve
Shortly before his educational draft deferment expired, McConnell enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in March 1967.
July 9, 1967: Mitch McConnell Begins Army Training
McConnell's first day of training at Fort Knox, Kentucky was July 9, 1967, two days after taking the bar exam.
August 15, 1967: Mitch McConnell is Honorably Discharged from the Army
McConnell's last day of army training was August 15, 1967, after which he was deemed medically unfit for service and honorably discharged.
1967: Mitch McConnell Graduates Law School
McConnell graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1967.
1968: Marriage to Sherrill Redmon
In 1968, Mitch McConnell married his first wife, Sherrill Redmon. The couple had three daughters: Porter, Eleanor (Elly), and Claire. This marked a significant personal milestone in McConnell's life.
1968: Republican Statewide Victory
In 1968, Mitch McConnell became the first Republican to win a statewide election in Kentucky since that year. His campaign was notable for the 'Where's Dee' television spots and benefited from the popularity of President Ronald Reagan, who had strong support in Kentucky.
1968: Mitch McConnell Becomes Chief Legislative Assistant to Senator Marlow Cook
From 1968 to 1970, McConnell worked as chief legislative assistant to Senator Marlow Cook in Washington, D.C.
1970: Mitch McConnell Ends Term as Chief Legislative Assistant to Senator Marlow Cook
From 1968 to 1970, McConnell worked as chief legislative assistant to Senator Marlow Cook in Washington, D.C.
1971: Mitch McConnell Works on Tom Emberton's Gubernatorial Campaign
In 1971, McConnell returned to Louisville where he worked on Tom Emberton's unsuccessful candidacy for Governor of Kentucky. He also attempted to run for state legislature, worked for a Louisville law firm, and taught political science at the University of Louisville.
October 1974: Mitch McConnell Returns to Washington as Deputy Assistant Attorney General
In October 1974, McConnell returned to Washington to fill a position as Deputy Assistant Attorney General under President Gerald Ford.
1974: Mitch McConnell Becomes Deputy United States Assistant Attorney General
McConnell first served as a Deputy United States Assistant Attorney General under President Gerald Ford from 1974 until 1975.
1975: Mitch McConnell Serves as Acting United States Assistant Attorney General
McConnell also served as acting United States Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs under President Ford in 1975.
1975: Mitch McConnell Ends Term as Deputy United States Assistant Attorney General
McConnell's term as Deputy United States Assistant Attorney General under President Gerald Ford ended in 1975.
1977: Mitch McConnell Becomes Jefferson County Judge/Executive
McConnell served as Jefferson County Judge/Executive from 1977 until 1984.
1977: Election as Jefferson County Judge/Executive
In 1977, Mitch McConnell was elected the Jefferson County Judge/Executive, defeating Democrat Todd Hollenbach, III.
1980: Divorce from Sherrill Redmon
In 1980, Mitch McConnell and Sherrill Redmon divorced. Redmon later became a feminist scholar at Smith College and director of the Sophia Smith Collection. This event marked a major change in McConnell's personal life.
1981: Re-election as Jefferson County Judge/Executive
McConnell was re-elected as the Jefferson County Judge/Executive in 1981, defeating Jefferson County Commissioner Jim "Pop" Malone.
1982: Alleged Sexual Assault by Kavanaugh
In 1982, Brett Kavanaugh was allegedly involved in a sexual assault incident, according to Christine Blasey Ford, which became a significant controversy during his Supreme Court nomination in 2018.
1984: First Senate Election Victory
In 1984, Mitch McConnell won his first U.S. Senate election against two-term Democratic incumbent Walter Dee Huddleston. The race was closely contested, with McConnell winning by just over 0.4%. He was the only Republican Senate challenger to win that year, marking the beginning of his long tenure in the Senate.
1984: Mitch McConnell Ends Term as Jefferson County Judge/Executive
McConnell served as Jefferson County Judge/Executive from 1977 until 1984.
1984: End of Term as Jefferson County Judge/Executive
Mitch McConnell's term as the Jefferson County Judge/Executive ended in 1984 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate.
1985: Mitch McConnell Becomes Senator
Mitch McConnell was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1985.
1990: Senate Re-election Victory Against Harvey I. Sloane
In 1990, Mitch McConnell won his Senate re-election against former Louisville Mayor Harvey I. Sloane by a margin of 4.4%. This victory solidified his position in the Senate and showcased his political resilience.
1990: Death of Mitch McConnell's Father
Mitch McConnell's father, Addison Mitchell "A.M." McConnell II, passed away in 1990.
1993: Death of Mitch McConnell's Mother
Mitch McConnell's mother, Julia Odene "Dean" (née Shockley), passed away in 1993.
1993: Marriage to Elaine Chao
In 1993, Mitch McConnell married his second wife, Elaine Chao, who later served as Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump. This marriage connected McConnell to another prominent political figure.
1996: Defeated Steve Beshear in Senate Race
In 1996, Mitch McConnell defeated Steve Beshear by 12.6% in the Senate race, even as Bill Clinton narrowly carried the state. McConnell’s campaign included memorable ads warning voters to not 'Get BeSheared,' featuring images of sheep being sheared.
1997: Founding of the James Madison Center for Free Speech
In 1997, Mitch McConnell founded the James Madison Center for Free Speech, a legal defense organization based in Washington, D.C. This initiative underscored his commitment to free speech and legal advocacy.
1997: Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee
Mitch McConnell served as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 1997 to 2001.
1998: Mitch McConnell Becomes Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee
McConnell was chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 1998 and 2000 election cycles.
February 12, 1999: Vote to Convict Bill Clinton
On February 12, 1999, McConnell was one of fifty senators who voted to convict and remove President Bill Clinton from office.
2000: Mitch McConnell Ends Term as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee
McConnell was chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 1998 and 2000 election cycles.
2001: End of Term as Chairman of the NRSC
Mitch McConnell's term as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee ended in 2001.
2002: Senate Re-election Victory Against Lois Combs Weinberg
In 2002, Mitch McConnell was unopposed in the Republican primary and then defeated Lois Combs Weinberg by 29.4% in the general election. This overwhelming victory demonstrated his strong political influence and support.
February 2003: Triple Heart Bypass Surgery
In February 2003, Mitch McConnell underwent a triple heart bypass surgery due to blocked arteries. The surgery took place at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This was a significant health challenge for McConnell.
2003: Mitch McConnell Becomes Majority Whip
Mitch McConnell was elected Majority Whip in the 108th Congress in 2003.
2004: Observation of Democratic Cooperation with Bush Administration
After observing the Democratic party's cooperation with the Bush administration on No Child Left Behind and Medicare Part D in 2004, McConnell determined that Republican unity and obstructionism were optimal for securing future election victories.
2004: Mitch McConnell Re-elected as Majority Whip
McConnell was re-elected to the post of Majority Whip in 2004.
November 2006: Mitch McConnell Elected Minority Leader
In November 2006, McConnell was elected Senate Minority Leader, a position he held until Republicans took control of the Senate in 2015.
2006: Election as Senate Minority Leader
Following the Republican party losing control of the Senate, McConnell was elected as the Minority Leader in 2006.
2007: Support for Iraq War Troop Surge
In 2007, Mitch McConnell publicly supported the Iraq War troop surge. This position underlined his alignment with the Bush administration’s foreign policy and his commitment to military interventions.
2007: Mitch McConnell Becomes Minority Leader
Mitch McConnell served as minority leader from 2007 to 2015 and again in 2021.
2008: Significant Increase in Personal Wealth
In 2008, Mitch McConnell received a personal gift from his father-in-law James S. C. Chao after the death of McConnell's mother-in-law. The gift was estimated to be worth $5–25 million and significantly increased McConnell’s personal wealth.
2008: Close Senate Contest
In 2008, Mitch McConnell faced his closest Senate contest since 1990, defeating Bruce Lunsford by a margin of 6%. This election highlighted the competitive political climate and McConnell's ability to secure his seat.
June 2009: McConnell on Sotomayor Nomination
In June 2009, following President Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor as Associate Justice, Mitch McConnell and Jeff Sessions advocated for a lengthy review of her judicial record. On July 17, McConnell announced his opposition to her confirmation, though she was confirmed days later.
May 2010: McConnell Opposes Kagan's Nomination
In May 2010, Mitch McConnell expressed his opposition to Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court, arguing she was not independent enough from the White House. Despite his opposition, Kagan was confirmed the following month.
October 2010: Statement on President Obama's Re-election
In October 2010, McConnell stated that preventing President Obama's re-election was the most important goal.
2010: Ban on Congressional Earmarks
Congress banned the practice of earmarks, which McConnell had frequently utilized for Kentucky businesses and institutions, in 2010.
2010: Supreme Court Ruling on Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
In 2010, Mitch McConnell led the opposition to stricter campaign finance laws, culminating in the Supreme Court ruling that partially overturned the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold). This marked a significant moment in his political career as a conservative leader.
2010: Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court Ruling
In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Citizens United v. FEC, a case where McConnell led the opposition against stricter campaign finance laws.
2011: Debt-Ceiling Crisis
The Republican caucus repeatedly threatened to force the United States to default on its debt during the 2011 debt-ceiling crisis.
2012: McConnell's Low Approval Rating
In 2012, a poll found that Mitch McConnell had the lowest home-state approval rating of any sitting senator, reflecting his unpopularity with both Democratic voters and the more populist base.
March 1, 2013: Induction into Sons of the American Revolution
On March 1, 2013, Mitch McConnell was inducted as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. This honor recognized his heritage and contributions to public service.
2013: Elimination of the Filibuster for Presidential Nominations
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid eliminated the filibuster for presidential nominations, except for the Supreme Court, in 2013.
2013: Federal Government Shutdown
The United States federal government shut down from October 1–17, 2013, following a failure to enact legislation to fund the government. McConnell later vowed Republicans would not force the U.S. to default on its debt or shut down the government in 2014.
2014: Election as Senate Majority Leader
After Republicans gained control of the Senate in 2014, Mitch McConnell became the Senate Majority Leader.
2014: McConnell's Promise on Government Shutdown
In 2014, McConnell promised that Republicans would not force a government shutdown or default on the U.S. debt, and he would not allow other Republicans to obstruct the budget-making process.
2014: Republican Primary and General Election Victories
In 2014, Mitch McConnell faced Louisville businessman Matt Bevin in the Republican primary, winning with 60.2% of the vote, the lowest voter support for a Kentucky U.S. senator in a primary since 1938. He then defeated Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes in the general election with a 56.2–40.7% margin.
2014: McConnell Blocks Obama's Judicial Appointments
In 2014, after Republicans gained control of the Senate, Mitch McConnell became majority leader and began a blockade on Obama's judicial appointments. This resulted in the fewest confirmations since President Truman's era.
2014: McConnelling
In 2014, during his campaign season, Mitch McConnell faced satire for posting campaign B-roll footage online to be used by allied PACs. Internet posters humorously combined the footage with scenes from sitcoms and movies, as well as popular music. This practice became known as 'McConnelling'.
2015: Time Magazine Recognizes Mitch McConnell
Time Magazine listed McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
2015: Republicans Take Control of the Senate
Republicans took control of the Senate in 2015.
2015: Mitch McConnell Becomes Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell served as majority leader from 2015 to 2021.
2015: McConnell Attends Beau Biden's Funeral
In 2015, Mitch McConnell attended the funeral of Joe Biden's son, Beau Biden. This act was noted as a sign of the personal comity between McConnell and Biden, despite their political differences.
2015: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2015, Mitch McConnell was listed by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing his significant impact on national and international affairs.
February 13, 2016: McConnell Blocks Supreme Court Nominee
On February 13, 2016, after the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate would not consider any nominee put forth by President Obama, stating the vacancy should be filled by the next president.
March 16, 2016: Obama Nominates Merrick Garland
On March 16, 2016, President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. Under McConnell's direction, the Senate refused to take action on the nomination, which expired on January 3, 2017.
May 4, 2016: Endorsement of Donald Trump
After initially endorsing Rand Paul, McConnell endorsed Donald Trump for president on May 4, 2016, after Paul withdrew from the race.
May 2016: Disagreement with Trump's Comments About Judge Curiel
McConnell publicly disagreed with Trump's suggestion that Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel was biased against him due to his Mexican heritage in May 2016.
July 2016: Disagreement with Trump's Criticism of Capt. Humayun Khan's Parents
McConnell publicly disagreed with Trump's criticisms of the parents of Capt. Humayun Khan, a Muslim-American soldier killed in Iraq, in July 2016.
August 2016: McConnell's Proud Moment
In August 2016, Mitch McConnell stated that one of his proudest moments was telling President Obama that he would not fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Justice Scalia's death.
October 7, 2016: Response to the Donald Trump Access Hollywood Controversy
On October 7, 2016, following the release of the Access Hollywood tape, McConnell stated his belief that Trump needed to apologize for his comments about women.
2016: 2016 Supreme Court Nomination Precedent
In 2016, McConnell set a precedent by deciding that the winner of the upcoming presidential election should nominate the next Supreme Court justice, a stance he chose not to follow in 2020.
2016: Continued Low Approval Ratings
In 2016, another poll confirmed that Mitch McConnell continued to have the lowest home-state approval rating of any sitting senator, as a result of his unpopularity with Trump and the more populist base.
January 3, 2017: Garland Nomination Expires
On January 3, 2017, Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court expired with the end of the 114th Congress, following Senate Republicans' refusal to act on the nomination under McConnell's direction.
January 2017: Trump Nominates Neil Gorsuch
In January 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Justice Scalia's death. Gorsuch's nomination was confirmed on April 7, 2017, after McConnell eliminated the filibuster on Supreme Court nominees.
April 7, 2017: Gorsuch Confirmed to Supreme Court
On April 7, 2017, Neil Gorsuch was confirmed to the Supreme Court after Mitch McConnell eliminated the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, ensuring Gorsuch's appointment.
April 2017: Elimination of the Filibuster for Supreme Court Nominations
In April 2017, Senate Republicans, led by McConnell, eliminated the filibuster for Supreme Court nominations to confirm Neil Gorsuch.
October 2017: Defense of Senate Support for Trump's Agenda
When criticized by Trump allies for stalling the Trump administration's legislation in October 2017, McConnell pointed to Neil Gorsuch's confirmation to the Supreme Court.
2017: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Senate Republican majority, under McConnell's leadership, passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
2017: Failure to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
In 2017, despite Republicans controlling the government, McConnell's reputation was tarnished after failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
2017: Passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
In 2017, as Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell led the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation aimed to reduce taxes and was a significant achievement for McConnell’s agenda on economic policies.
2017: Record for Circuit Court Judges Confirmations Broken
In 2017, Senate Republicans broke the record for the number of circuit court judges confirmed during a president's first year. This was part of McConnell's ongoing efforts to reshape the federal judiciary.
2017: Underwater Approval Rating Begins
In 2017, Mitch McConnell's approval rating began to go underwater, with more negative than positive ratings, a trend that would continue in subsequent years.
2017: Satirical Portrayals in Media
In 2017, Mitch McConnell was satirically portrayed in various media, including by Beck Bennett on Saturday Night Live and in South Park’s season 21 episode 'Doubling Down.' Jon Stewart also repeatedly mocked McConnell on The Daily Show for his resemblance to a turtle or tortoise. These portrayals highlighted his significant presence in American political satire.
2017: Highest Disapproval Rating of All Senators
With a 49% disapproval rate in 2017, Mitch McConnell had the highest disapproval rating of all senators, reflecting his continued unpopularity among various voter groups.
April 2018: McConnell Reflects on Garland Decision
In April 2018, Mitch McConnell described his refusal to act on Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination as the most consequential decision of his career, highlighting its significant impact.
June 2018: Longest-Serving Senate Republican Leader
In June 2018, Mitch McConnell became the longest-serving Senate Republican leader in U.S. history.
July 2018: Border Wall Funding and Potential Government Shutdown
In July 2018, Mitch McConnell stated that funding for the Mexico–United States border wall would likely have to wait until after the midterms. President Trump later tweeted his willingness to allow a government shutdown to get the funding. Several spending bills were approved in August, seen as a victory for McConnell in preventing another shutdown.
July 2018: Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh
In July 2018, President Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh to replace the retiring Anthony Kennedy as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. During the hearing process, McConnell accused Democrats of creating an extreme distortion of Kavanaugh's record.
July 18, 2018: Senate Republicans Break Record for Appeals Court Judiciary Confirmations
On July 18, 2018, with the confirmation of Andy Oldham, Senate Republicans broke a record for the largest number of appeals court judiciary confirmations during a president's first two years. Oldham became the 23rd appeals court judge confirmed during Trump's term. McConnell considered the judiciary to be the most impactful item of Trump's first two years.
September 2018: Sexual Assault Allegations Against Kavanaugh
In September 2018, Christine Blasey Ford publicly alleged that Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her in 1982. McConnell assured that Kavanaugh would be voted on the Senate floor despite the allegations.
October 2018: McConnell's Stance on Supreme Court Vacancy
In October 2018, McConnell stated that if a Supreme Court vacancy occurred during Trump's 2020 re-election year, he would not follow his 2016 decision to let the winner of the upcoming presidential election nominate a justice.
December 2018: Senate Passes Appropriations Bill Without Wall Funding
In December 2018, the Republican-controlled Senate unanimously passed an appropriations bill without funding for Trump's border wall. Despite initial signs that the bill would be approved by the House and Trump, the president later announced he would not sign it without wall funding.
December 22, 2018: Start of 2018-2019 Government Shutdown
From December 22, 2018, the federal government shut down over Congress's refusal to meet Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in funds for a U.S.–Mexico border wall. The Republican-controlled Senate had passed an appropriations bill without wall funding.
2018: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act
The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act was passed in 2018 during McConnell's leadership as Senate Majority Leader.
2018: Ranking as One of the Wealthiest Senators
In 2018, the OpenSecrets website ranked Mitch McConnell as one of the wealthiest members of the U.S. Senate, with a net worth of more than $25 million. His personal wealth was significantly increased by a gift from his father-in-law James S. C. Chao in 2008, estimated to be worth $5–25 million.
2018: Passing of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act
In 2018, Mitch McConnell played a key role in passing the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. This act aimed to ease regulations on financial institutions and was seen as a continuation of his efforts to reduce government oversight.
2018: Worst Approval Rating in Fourth Quarter
Mitch McConnell's worst approval rating was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018, with a 38% positive and 47% negative rating among Kentuckians, briefly making him not the least popular senator.
January 25, 2019: End of 2018-2019 Government Shutdown
The federal government shutdown that began on December 22, 2018, ended on January 25, 2019, after a prolonged standoff over funding for the U.S.–Mexico border wall.
May 2019: Confirmation of Gordon Hartogensis
In May 2019, Mitch McConnell's brother-in-law Gordon Hartogensis, married to Chao's sister Grace, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). McConnell voted to confirm him, demonstrating his influence and support within his extended family.
August 2019: Fractured Shoulder from Fall
In August 2019, Mitch McConnell suffered a fall at his Louisville home, resulting in a fractured shoulder. This incident highlighted concerns about his health and physical well-being.
August 2019: Low Approval Ratings in 2019
By August 2019, McConnell's approval ratings were significantly low, with an average of 23% favorable and 48% unfavorable across various polls.
August 2019: Opposition to Filibuster Elimination on Legislation
McConnell wrote an editorial in August 2019 for The New York Times where he expressed strong opposition against eliminating the filibuster for legislation.
September 2019: Approval Rating Underwater
In September 2019, Morning Consult found that Mitch McConnell's approval rating had been underwater since the first quarter of 2017, with the worst rating in the fourth quarter of 2018.
November 5, 2019: McConnell Comments on Impeachment Outcome
On November 5, 2019, as the House of Representatives began public hearings on the impeachment of President Trump, Mitch McConnell stated that he believed an impeachment trial would not lead to Trump's removal from office.
December 14, 2019: McConnell Coordinates with White House on Impeachment
On December 14, 2019, Mitch McConnell met with White House officials and declared that he would coordinate closely with the White House counsel's office for Trump's impeachment trial. He asserted that there was no chance the Senate would convict Trump.
December 17, 2019: McConnell Rejects Witnesses for Impeachment Trial
On December 17, 2019, Mitch McConnell rejected a request to call witnesses for Trump's impeachment trial, stating the Senate's role was to 'act as judge and jury.' He remarked that he was not an impartial juror in the process.
2019: Criticism from Nancy Pelosi
In 2019, Mitch McConnell faced criticism from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for withholding votes on several key measures passed by the Democratic-controlled House. These included the For the People Act of 2019, the Equality Act, and the Paycheck Fairness Act. This criticism highlighted the partisan tensions during his tenure as Senate Majority Leader.
2019: Time Magazine Recognizes Mitch McConnell
Time Magazine listed McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
2019: Time's 100 Most Influential People Again
In 2019, Mitch McConnell was once again named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, highlighting his continued influence in politics.
2019: McConnell Takes Credit for Judicial Vacancies
In a 2019 interview, Mitch McConnell credited himself for the high number of judicial vacancies created during the last two years of Obama's presidency.
March 2020: McConnell Encourages Judges to Retire
By March 2020, Mitch McConnell had contacted an unknown number of judges, urging them to retire before the 2020 election. This move was part of his broader effort to shift the federal judiciary to the right.
April 22, 2020: McConnell Suggests State Bankruptcy
On April 22, 2020, Mitch McConnell suggested on the Hugh Hewitt radio show that states should be able to declare bankruptcy instead of receiving additional COVID-19 aid funds. His comments were met with sharp criticism from various state and local officials.
September 10, 2020: COVID-19 Relief Bill Fails to Advance
On September 10, 2020, a pared-down COVID-19 relief bill crafted by Mitch McConnell failed to advance past a Democratic filibuster in the Senate. Democrats criticized the bill as inadequate and a partisan maneuver to help Republican senators up for reelection.
September 2020: McConnell Announces Vote on Ginsburg's Replacement
In September 2020, following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate would vote on President Trump's nominated replacement.
October 23, 2020: Senate Debate for Amy Coney Barrett's Confirmation
On October 23, 2020, Mitch McConnell set in place the Senate debate for the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to fill the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat on the Supreme Court.
October 26, 2020: Amy Coney Barrett Confirmed to Supreme Court
On October 26, 2020, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This was a significant milestone achieved under McConnell's leadership.
November 2020: Re-election Victory Against Amy McGrath
In the November 2020 general election, Mitch McConnell faced Democratic nominee Amy McGrath and Libertarian nominee Brad Barron. During the campaign, McConnell and McGrath participated in a socially distanced debate on October 12. McConnell won re-election to his seventh term on November 3, defeating McGrath by nearly 20 percentage points.
2020: Mitch McConnell Criticizes Trump
While generally supportive of Trump's policies, McConnell criticized Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
2020: McConnell Loses Title of Most Unpopular Senator
In 2020, according to Morning Consult, Susan Collins edged out Mitch McConnell as the most unpopular senator, with a 52% unfavorable rating from Maine voters compared to McConnell's 50% unfavorable rating.
2020: McConnell Directs COVID-19 Response Packages
In 2020, Mitch McConnell directed Senate Republicans in negotiations for two major COVID-19 response packages: the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act and the CARES Act, the latter being the largest economic stimulus package in U.S. history.
2020: Refusal to Recognize Biden's Victory
Following Biden's victory in the 2020 election, McConnell refused to acknowledge him as the winner, while also celebrating Republican victories in the Senate and the House.
January 12, 2021: McConnell Supports Impeaching Trump
On January 12, 2021, it was reported that Mitch McConnell supported impeaching Trump for inciting the storming of the United States Capitol, believing it would help Republicans distance themselves from Trump.
February 13, 2021: McConnell Votes to Acquit Trump
On February 13, 2021, Mitch McConnell voted to acquit Trump in the Senate trial, arguing it was unconstitutional to convict someone no longer in office despite supporting the idea of impeachment earlier.
April 10, 2021: Public Attack by Donald Trump
On April 10, 2021, Donald Trump publicly called McConnell a "dumb son of a bitch".
May 28, 2021: McConnell Votes Against Capitol Attack Commission
On May 28, 2021, Mitch McConnell voted against the creation of an independent commission to investigate the January 6 United States Capitol attack, having organized Republican Senators to filibuster the proposal.
October 2021: McConnell Helps Pass Debt Ceiling Bill
In October 2021, Mitch McConnell helped pass a bill to extend the debt ceiling, convincing 11 Republicans to vote with the Democrats, thereby preventing the United States from defaulting on its debts.
2021: Named a 'Climate Villain' by The Guardian
In 2021, Mitch McConnell was named one of the top 'climate villains' in the United States by The Guardian, reflecting criticism of his stance and actions related to climate change policies.
2021: Mitch McConnell Becomes Minority Leader Again
Mitch McConnell became Senate Minority Leader again in 2021.
March 2023: Hospitalization After Fall
In March 2023, Mitch McConnell was hospitalized for five days after a fall. He was treated for a concussion and a minor rib fracture and did not return to the Senate for almost six weeks. This event raised questions about his health and ability to continue his duties.
July 2023: Fall at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
In July 2023, Mitch McConnell fell while disembarking from a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This incident added to the series of health challenges McConnell faced in recent years.
July 26, 2023: Freezing Incident at Press Conference
On July 26, 2023, Mitch McConnell froze for around 20 seconds while addressing a press conference, prompting worldwide media reports. He was escorted away by aides but later returned and said he was 'fine.' This incident raised questions about his health.
August 30, 2023: Second Freezing Incident at Press Conference
On August 30, 2023, Mitch McConnell again froze during a press conference in Covington, Kentucky, and was eventually led away by staff. A day later, he released a letter from the attending physician of Congress stating he was 'medically clear' to continue his schedule. This second incident further fueled concerns about his health.
2023: Time Magazine Recognizes Mitch McConnell
Time Magazine listed McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
February 28, 2024: Mitch McConnell to Step Down
On February 28, 2024, McConnell announced he would step down as Senate Republican Conference Leader in January 2025.
January 2025: Mitch McConnell Steps Down
Mitch McConnell is to step down as the Senate Republican Conference Leader in January 2025.