Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky announced on his 82nd birthday that he would not seek re-election in 2026 before voting to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director.

Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Thursday he will not seek an eighth term in 2026, ending more than 40 years in the Senate, including the longest tenure for a Senate party leader in U.S. history. He announced his coming retirement from the Senate floor on his 83rd birthday.