Senator Mitch McConnell is stepping down as Senate Republican Leader after 18 years in the role. The Republican Party of Kentucky released the following statement on McConnell stepping down: “The Republican Party of Kentucky extends its deepest gratitude to Senator McConnell for his remarkable 18 years as U.

Republican senators will cast a secret ballot on Wednesday, and whoever is elected to replace McConnell will inherit a solid majority in the upper chamber.

John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott are vying to succeed Mitch McConnell as the Republicans leader in the U.S. Senate.