Democrats Sorry to See McConnell Go as Biden Touts ‘Great Relationship’

Sen. Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he’s stepping down from Senate GOP leadership was met with expressions of regret and sympathy from top Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) talks to reporters following the weekly Senate Republican caucus policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Feb. 27, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) Wednesday announcement that he’s stepping down as Senate GOP leader drew a flurry of reactions, with top Democrats expressing a mixture of regret that the Kentucky Republican is stepping down and appreciation for all the times they worked together.

Mr. McConnell, who has been the Senate Republican leader since 2007, announced a “sunset to his work” in the leadership role, though he clarified that he’s not retiring completely. Starting in November, he said he will occupy a “different seat” in Congress’ upper chamber.