Mitch McConnell stepping down had nothing to do with health scares and 'freezes', aides say

Mitch McConnell's aides insist his decision to step down from Senate leadership is not related to his health.

The 81-year-old Kentucky Republican announced in an emotional speech from the Senate floor on Wednesday that he will end his tenure as Senate Republican Leader in November – but will continue serving in Congress.

It follows a series of health scares over the last few years that have raised questions over his mental and physical state and whether he is fit to continue serving in the Senate.

Aides for McConnell, however, insist his decision to end his leadership role has nothing to do with his apparently declining health.

'After all this time, I still get a thrill walking into the Capitol,' McConnell said as his voice broke with emotion. 'But Father Time remains undefeated.'

McConnell, a survivor of polio, is the longest-serving Senate leader in U.S. history, serving for almost 18 years. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, 82, made a surprise announcement Wednesday that he will step down from Republican leadership in November – but will continue serving Kentucky in the U.S. Senate

Aides for the Senate Republican Leader insist the decision had nothing to do with McConnell's health - despite a series of concerning incidents over the last year, which includes two freezing spells. Pictured: McConnell froze for more than 30 seconds during a public appearance in Kentucky on August 30, 2023 before he was escorted away from the podium

Last year, McConnell suffered a concussion after falling and experienced two separate spells where he verbally and physically froze while speaking publicly.

This led to constant calls over the last several months – especially from backers of Donald Trump – for the Senate Minority Leader to step aside and let a younger person take over.

McConnell remains the last member of Republican leadership in Congress to not endorse Trump's reelection for president.

'One of life's most underappreciated talents is to know when it's time to move onto life's next chapter,' McConnell said in his Senate floor speech on Wednesday.

'It's time for me to think about another season,' he added.

The Kentucky Republican was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and was chosen as head of the conference in 2007, but has faced hostility from conservatives who have pledged their allegiance to Trump

McConnell suddenly stopped talking and fellow senators had to assist him walking away from the podium during his press conference at the Capitol on July 26, 2023

A time line of the physical and mental falters of Sen. McConnell in 2023 

McConnell leaves a Republican luncheon on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 after announcing he will step down as the GOP leader in the upper chamber. He noted the 'particularly difficult' period for his family after his sister-in-law suddenly died this month

An emotional McConnell took to the Senate floor Wednesday to announce his surprise news, with only around half of the seats full.

He said it has been a 'particularly difficult' period for his family after his sister-in-law Angela Chao drowned on her Texas property on February 15.

Angela Chao, who is the head of the dry bulk shipping firm, passed away over the weekend - as her family said that they are devastated with grief over the news. Chao is pictured at The New York City Opera Pre-Gala Celebration in 2010

'I turned 82 last week, the end of my contributions are closer than I would prefer,' he said.

'If you would have told me 40 years later that I would stand before you as the longest serving senate leader in American history, frankly I would have told you, you lost your mind,' a very emotional McConnell said in a lighthearted moment.

McConnell, who is up for reelection in two years in 2026, said he is 'not going anywhere anytime soon' and will remain a U.S. senator, despite stepping down from leadership.

'As I have been thinking about when I would deliver some news to the Senate, I always imagined a moment when I had total clarity and peace about the sunset of my work.' McConnell said. '

'A moment when I am certain I have helped preserve the ideals I so strongly believe. It arrived today.'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., as he walked to the Senate to speak on the  floor

He praised the support of his wife, former Department of Transportation Sec. Elaine Chao, who has been at his side for 31 years. 

He said that he holds a 'deep appreciation for the time that helped shape my view of the world, unconflicted about the good within our country and the irreplaceable role we play as the leader of the free world.'

'It's why I work so hard to get the national security package passed earlier this month,' he continued.

'Believe me, I know the politics within my party at this particular moment in time, I have many faults. Misunderstanding politics is not one of them.'

'One of life's most under appreciated talents is to know when it's time to move on to life's next chapter,' McConnell continued.

'So I stand before you today, to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.' 

He said he is 'not going anywhere anytime soon' and will remain a U.S. senator, despite stepping down from leadership. 

An emotional McConnell took to the Senate floor Wednesday  to announce his surprise news, with only around half of the seats full

McConnell gushed about the support of his wife, former Department of Transportation Sec. Elaine Chao, who has been at his side for 31 years

Pictured: Senator-elect Mitch McConnell in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 1984

Mitch McConnell and his wife Elaine Chao, wave to supporters after he was re-elected to the Senate in 2004 

Trump and McConnell have had a strained relationship since December 2020, when  the Senator refused to say the election was stolen.  

The two were however in talks about an endorsement that could bring together the MAGA and Trump-reluctant wings of the Republican Party,  a source involved confirmed to DailyMail.com.

A nod from the GOP leader could have opened up a whole new class of donors backing Trump, who has already been forced to spend $50 million on legal bills.

Trump for years has lobbed vicious attacks at McConnell, who he's described as 'old crow' and even a 'piece of s**t.' 

McConnell noted that when he arrived in the Senate, 'I was just happy if anybody remembered my name.' During his campaign in 1984, when Reagan was visiting Kentucky, the president called him 'Mitch O´Donnell.'