Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) decision to conclude his storied political career marks the end of an era for Senate Republicans, especially as the longtime GOP leader increasingly signals he’s a maverick unafraid to cross President Trump in his second term.

Republican U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, who acquired the moniker “Grim Reaper” as the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, said on Thursday he will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a decades-long career that helped steer American politics decisively to the right.

McConnell has dealt with a series of medical episodes in recent years, including injuries from falls and times when his face briefly froze while he was speaking.