Sen. Mitch McConnell’s decision not to run for re-election in Kentucky next year opens up his Senate seat for the first time since 1984 — and it is already drawing interest from heavy hitters looking to fill the seat.

The Kentucky Republican has served more than 40 years in the chamber, and became one of the most consequential and divisive legislators in recent history.

Longtime Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Thursday he won’t seek reelection in 2026, ending his run as one of the most powerful lawmakers in the U.S. McConnell, a Republican first elected in 1984, is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history. He plans to serve out the remainder of his term until it ends in 2027.