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 attorney currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Kentucky since 1985. He holds the distinction of being Kentucky's longest-serving senator. Notably, McConnell served as the leader of the Senate Republican Conference from 2007 to 2025, holding positions as both minority and majority leader. His tenure as Senate party leader from 2015 to 2021 marks him as 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

1937: Alben W. Barkley Led the Democrats

From 1937 to 1949, Alben W. Barkley led the Democrats in the Senate, the first Kentuckian to serve as a party leader in the Senate

1949: Alben W. Barkley Led the Democrats

From 1937 to 1949, Alben W. Barkley led the Democrats in the Senate, the first Kentuckian to serve as a party leader in the Senate

2004: Observation of Democratic Cooperation

In 2004, McConnell observed how Democratic cooperation with the Bush administration on No Child Left Behind and Medicare Part D helped Bush's reelection and concluded that Republicans have nothing to gain from collaborating with the President.

2008: Gift from James S. C. Chao

In 2008, Mitch McConnell and his wife received a gift worth about $5 million to about $25 million from her father, James S. C. Chao, after the death of his wife.

2014: "McConnelling" term created

During the 2014 election campaign, Mitch McConnell was lampooned for posting campaign B-roll footage online, leading to the term "McConnelling" for the practice of satirizing the B-roll footage.

2015: Listed as one of Time's 100 most influential people

In 2015, Time listed Mitch McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

August 2016: McConnell on Blocking Obama's Supreme Court Nominee

In August 2016, Mitch McConnell stated that one of his proudest moments was when he told Barack Obama that he would not fill the Supreme Court vacancy.

2017: Satirical portrayal in South Park

In 2017, Mitch McConnell was portrayed satirically in South Park's season 21 episode "Doubling Down".

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April 2018: McConnell Calls Blocking Garland Nomination Most Consequential Decision

In April 2018, Mitch McConnell called the decision not to act on Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court "the most consequential decision I've made in my entire public career."

2018: Ranked among 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.

2019: Listed as one of Time's 100 most influential people

In 2019, Time listed Mitch McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2019: McConnell Takes Credit for Judicial Vacancies

In a 2019 interview, Mitch McConnell credited himself for the large number of judicial vacancies created during the last two years of Barack Obama's presidency.