Attendees at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Committee in Washington, D.C., celebrated Sen. Mitch McConnell‘s (R-KY) retirement, which was announced during Day Two of the annual event.
McConnell, who committed to serving the remainder of his term, which ends in 2027, was first elected to the Senate in 1984. When asked about the announcement, many CPAC attendees were enthusiastic, telling the Washington Examiner that it was time for the 83-year-old to make this decision.
“It’s way past time!” CPAC attendee Thomas Baker told the Washington Examiner. “He needs to let go. He’s kind of like Nancy Pelosi and … who’s the other one who just died in office? They overstayed their welcome. Their time has come. They need to move on. I guess I’m thinking of Joe Biden. He should’ve bowed out a long time ago, too.”
Baker acknowledged that McConnell “did some good things” during his time in the Senate but also “did a lot of bad things,” questioning, “Who knows where his mind is even these days?”
The attendee also wished the senator well despite being “pretty much incapacitated.”
Braeden Sorbo, son of actor Kevin Sorbo, also celebrated McConnell’s announcement, calling it “good.” He added that the senator is “way too old to be serving in office” and underscored that the situation calls for age limits for people running for office, something he said is “absolutely crucial.”
Political commentator Steve Bannon took a similar victory lap on the announcement, saying the “hand of divine providence” was responsible for it and questioning whether God is “sending us a message.”
Regarding what the future holds for McConnell’s seat, Michael Yadeta, a former Republican congressional candidate in Maryland, noted that Republicans only have a “slight majority” in the Senate and called for more people to run as Republicans in lawmaking. He added that McConnell has his respect.
The Native Patriot, a conservative content creator with the Patriots Prayer Network, echoed other people’s reactions that it was “about time” for McConnell to retire. He did not have a specific vision for what this means for Senate Republicans, but said, “The younger generation needs to step up” and not let “90-year-old cronies represent us.”
CPAC THEME: ‘AMERICA IS BACK ON TRACK’
Shortly after McConnell’s announcement, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced plans to run for McConnell’s seat, calling for “a new generation of leadership.” Cameron previously ran against Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) in the 2023 gubernatorial election, in which Beshear succeeded in seeking reelection.
Kentucky, it's time for a new generation of leadership in the U.S. Senate. Let's do this. pic.twitter.com/YRXAm4Busv
— Daniel Cameron (@DanielCameronKY) February 20, 2025
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, McConnell proved to be a thorn in President Donald Trump’s side, specifically in the confirmation votes for various Cabinet nominees this year. The Kentucky senator was the lone Republican to side with all Democrats against National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He also joined Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in voting against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In recent months, McConnell has had his share of health problems, including freezing up at a news conference and falling down the stairs following a Senate vote.
