How Mitch McConnell Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Mitch McConnell—a timeline of influence.
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.
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.
January 3, 2017: Garland Nomination Expires
On January 3, 2017, Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination expired due to Senate inaction under McConnell's leadership.
April 2018: McConnell calls Garland decision most consequential
In April 2018, McConnell called the decision to block Garland's nomination the most consequential decision of his public career.
2019: McConnell Credits Himself for Judicial Vacancies
In a 2019 interview, McConnell credited himself for the large number of judicial vacancies created in the last two years of Obama's presidency.
2024: McConnell steps down as Senate Republican leader in 2024
In 2024, McConnell stepped down as Senate Republican leader. John Thune was elected to succeed him after Republicans regained the majority in the 2024 U.S. Senate elections.
