When Senator Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican and longest-serving Senate leader, decided to step aside from his leadership role at the end of the year, it signaled the turning of a new page in the chamber. For all the power they wield in Congress, Senate leaders have not had to fight too hard for their positions in recent years. Mr. McConnell, the current record-holder with almost 18 years at the top, did not face an opponent when he first won the job in 2006. Before Senator Harry Reid’s retirement in 2017, the Nevada Democrat and party leader passed the reins seamlessly to Senator Chuck Schumer of New York. Mr. Reid himself had quickly sewn up the Democratic job when it suddenly came open in 2004.

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Persons: Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn of, John Thune of, McConnell, Rick Scott of, Harry Reid’s, Chuck Schumer, Reid Organizations: Kentucky Republican, Nevada Democrat, Democratic Locations: John Cornyn of Texas, John Thune of South Dakota, Rick Scott of Florida, New York