Mitch McConnell's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Mitch McConnell.
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.
1977: Elected Jefferson County Judge/Executive
In 1977, McConnell was elected the Jefferson County judge/executive, defeating incumbent Democrat Todd Hollenbach III.
1981: Re-elected Jefferson County Judge/Executive
In 1981, McConnell was re-elected as the Jefferson County judge/executive against Jim "Pop" Malone.
1984: Elected to the U.S. Senate
In 1984, Mitch McConnell was elected to the U.S. Senate, marking the end of his tenure as Jefferson County Judge/Executive.
2015: Listed as One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2015, Time magazine recognized Mitch McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
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.
April 7, 2017: Gorsuch Confirmed After Filibuster Eliminated
On April 7, 2017, Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court was confirmed after McConnell eliminated the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees.
2017: Record broken for circuit court judges confirmed
In 2017, the record was broken for the number of circuit court judges confirmed during a president's first year.
2017: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Passed
In 2017, under McConnell's leadership, the Senate Republican majority passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
June 2018: Longest-Serving Senate Republican Leader
In June 2018, Mitch McConnell became the longest-serving Senate Republican leader in U.S. history.
July 18, 2018: Senate Republicans break record for appeals court confirmations
On July 18, 2018, with Andy Oldham's Senate confirmation, Senate Republicans broke a record for largest number of appeals court judiciary confirmations during a president's first two years; Oldham became the 23rd appeals court judge confirmed in Trump's term.
2018: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act Passed
In 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act was passed by the Senate Republican majority under McConnell's leadership.
2019: Listed as One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2019, Time magazine recognized Mitch McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
October 2021: McConnell helps pass debt ceiling extension
In October 2021, McConnell played a key role in extending the debt ceiling, convincing 11 Republicans to vote with Democrats. Without this action, the United States would have defaulted on its debts.
2023: Listed as One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2023, Time magazine recognized Mitch McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
