McConnell, Mitch

Mitch McConnell is the senior United States senator from Kentucky, having held his seat since 1985 and serving as the longest-serving Senate party leader in American history. As chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, he oversees the mechanics of federal elections, Senate operations, printing, and the Library of Congress. This committee role carries significant power over voting procedures, campaign finance rules, and the day-to-day functioning of the Senate itself. McConnell's background includes work as a legislative aide, county executive, and attorney, giving him deep experience in both legislative process and executive administration.

McConnell has been a central figure in shaping Senate Republican strategy for decades. During the Obama administration, he orchestrated Republican opposition to major presidential initiatives and blocked numerous judicial nominees, including Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland. Under his leadership during the Trump administration, the Senate Republican majority confirmed a record number of federal appeals court judges and three Supreme Court justices. McConnell invoked the nuclear option to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster requirement for Supreme Court nominations, fundamentally altering the confirmation process.

Throughout his career, McConnell has championed conservative positions while earning a reputation as a pragmatist willing to work across party lines on legislative priorities. He led the successful opposition to stricter campaign finance laws, culminating in the Citizens United Supreme Court decision. Time magazine recognized him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015, 2019, and 2023. In February 2025, McConnell announced he would not seek an eighth Senate term and would retire from politics, citing health concerns.