MITCH McConnell has announced he will step down as Senate leader of the Republican party in November.

McConnell, who has maintained power over the GOP for nearly two decades, revealed his decision on Wednesday in the Senate chamber.

“One of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter,” he said in a prepared statement, according to the Associated Press.

“So, I stand before you today… to say that this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.”

McConnell, who turned 82 last week, said he plans to serve out the remainder of his Senate term, which is set to end in January 2027.

“As I have been thinking about when I would deliver some news to the Senate, I always imagined a moment when I had total clarity and peace about the sunset of my work,” he said.

“A moment when I am certain I have helped preserve the ideals I so strongly believe. It arrived today.”

McConnell gave no specific reason for why he’s leaving his post but cited the recent death of his wife’s youngest sister played a role.

“When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there’s a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process,” he said.

The Kentucky Republican has served in the US Senate since 1985 and as GOP leader since 2007.

“Father time remained undefeated,” McConnell said.

“I am no longer the young man sitting in the back, hoping colleagues would remember my name. It is time for the next generation of leadership.”

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