Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Wednesday that he will step down as Republican leader in the Senate in November.
McConnell, 82, revealed his plans in an address to the Senate, where he currently serves as minority leader.
McConnell, who is the longest-serving Senate caucus leader in history, plans to keep his seat in the chamber, which he took in 1985.
"To serve Kentucky, has been the honor of my life, to lead my Republican colleagues has the highest privilege," McConnell said.
"When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there's a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process," McConnell said.
Persons:
Sen, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Elaine Chao, Angela, Chao's, Angela Chao, Jim Breyer
Organizations:
Kentucky, Senate, Republican
Locations:
Kentucky, life's, Austin , Texas