Political veteran leaves

Republican McConnell: “Time for a new generation”

It is time for a new generation in leadership, said Republican Mitch McConnell.(Bild: AP)

Republican Mitch McConnell wants to step down from his top office in the US Senate in November. "One of the most underrated talents in life is knowing when it's time to move on to the next chapter," said the 82-year-old on Wednesday. It is time for a new generation in leadership.

McConnell has been a senator in the House for around two decades and is currently the Republican minority leader. He is the longest-serving leader of a party in the history of the US Senate. The Republican said he would continue to serve in the Senate after stepping down from the leadership post.

Health problems made headlines
The Republican had recently made headlines with health problems. Last year, McConnell fell during a private dinner in a hotel in Washington. He suffered a concussion and was treated in hospital. As a result, he had interruptions at press conferences. This raised concerns about his state of health.

One of the most important string-pullers in US politics
According to the Chamber of Congress, he has been elected nine times since 2006 to lead the Republicans - as majority or minority leader, depending on the outcome of the respective parliamentary elections and the seats of the parties in the Senate. The arch-conservative politician has long been regarded as one of the most important string-pullers in US politics.

Although former US President Donald Trump does not back McConnell and regularly insults him publicly, the 82-year-old has always ultimately bowed to pressure from the powerful Trump wing of the party. McConnell is likely to be particularly remembered for denying a hearing to then-President Barack Obama's nominee after the death of Supreme Court judge Antonin Scalia. At the time, Obama unsuccessfully nominated a moderate candidate, Merrick Garland, to succeed Scalia. Obama's successor Donald Trump then nominated the conservative Neil Gorsuch in his first days in office, who was confirmed by the Senate. Garland is now the US Attorney General.