AP leads the way on the end of Mitch McConnell’s storied career in the U.S. Senate

By Bruce Schreiner

Bruce Schreiner broke the news that Sen. Mitch McConnell would not run for re-election in 2026, marking the impending end of a remarkable four decades in the U.S. Senate.

Working closely with AP’s Washington team, Schreiner reported McConnell’s decision about 30 minutes before the senator announced it on the Senate floor—demonstrating the value of long-term source development and credibility.

Schreiner’s exclusive allowed AP to dominate coverage of McConnell’s departure, keeping AP at the forefront of a major national story.