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 attorney currently serving as the senior United States senator from Kentucky, a position he has held since 1985. He is the longest-serving senator in Kentucky's history. McConnell's influence extends to his leadership within the Senate Republican Conference from 2007 to 2025, including terms as both minority and majority leader. Notably, he holds the record as the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, having served as majority leader from 2015 to 2021.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1938: Lowest Voter Support Since 1938

In 2014, McConnell faced Matt Bevin in the Republican primary, where McConnell's 60.2% victory represented the lowest voter support for a Kentucky U.S. senator in a primary since 1938.

1968: First Republican win in Kentucky since 1968

McConnell was the first Republican to win a statewide election in Kentucky since 1968. His win benefited from the popularity of President Ronald Reagan.

1977: McConnell Elected Jefferson County Judge/Executive

In 1977, Mitch McConnell was elected the Jefferson County judge/executive, defeating incumbent Democrat Todd Hollenbach III.

1981: McConnell Reelected Jefferson County Judge/Executive

In 1981, Mitch McConnell was reelected as the Jefferson County judge/executive, defeating Jim "Pop" Malone.

1984: McConnell wins U.S. Senate seat in Kentucky

In 1984, McConnell won the U.S. Senate seat in Kentucky against incumbent Walter Dee Huddleston by a narrow margin of 0.4%.

1984: McConnell Elected to U.S. Senate

In 1984, Mitch McConnell was elected to the U.S. Senate.

1990: McConnell wins Senate race against Harvey I. Sloane

In 1990, McConnell won against former Louisville Mayor Harvey I. Sloane by 4.4%.

1990: Closest Contest Since 1990

In 2008, Mitch McConnell's contest against Bruce Lunsford was his closest since 1990.

1996: McConnell defeats Steve Beshear

In 1996, McConnell defeated Steve Beshear by 12.6%, even as Bill Clinton narrowly carried the state. McConnell's campaign used television ads warning voters to not "Get BeSheared".

2002: McConnell defeats Lois Combs Weinberg

In 2002, after running unopposed in the Republican primary, McConnell defeated Lois Combs Weinberg by 29.4%.

2008: McConnell defeats Bruce Lunsford

In 2008, McConnell faced his closest contest since 1990, defeating Bruce Lunsford by 6%.

March 1, 2013: McConnell inducted into Sons of the American Revolution

On March 1, 2013, McConnell was inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution.

2014: McConnell defeats Alison Lundergan Grimes

In 2014, McConnell defeated Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes in the general election, 56.2–40.7%.

2015: Time lists McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world

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

2015: Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

2017: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed

In 2017, McConnell led the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as Senate majority leader.

2017: Record Circuit Court Judges Confirmed

In 2017, the record for the number of circuit court judges confirmed during a president's first year was broken.

June 2018: McConnell 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 Appeals Court Confirmation Record

On July 18, 2018, with Andy Oldham's Senate confirmation, 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 in Trump's term.

2018: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act passed

In 2018, McConnell led the passing of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act as Senate majority leader.

2019: Time lists McConnell as one of the 100 most influential people in the world

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

2019: Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

November 2020: McConnell re-elected to seventh term

In November 2020, McConnell was elected to his seventh term, defeating Amy McGrath by nearly 20 percentage points.

October 2021: McConnell Helps Pass Debt Ceiling Extension

In October 2021, Mitch McConnell helped pass a bill that extended the debt ceiling, convincing 11 Republicans to vote with the Democrats to avoid a United States default on its debts.