Who will replace Mitch McConnell?

Sen. Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) announcement on Thursday that he would not seek re-election in 2026 is the end of an era, but Republicans in Kentucky have wasted no time beginning to figure out who will replace the longtime GOP leader in the upper chamber.

McConnell was a power broker for much of his four decades in the Senate, tightly controlling which senators and candidates received money for their campaigns as well as keeping the party in line for votes.

The departure was somewhat expected.

Though not as far gone down the path of decline as former President Joe Biden, McConnell, 83, has suffered several falls and is currently in a wheelchair after falling down the steps of the Senate building a couple weeks ago.

His brazen votes against some of President Donald Trump's Cabinet and other nominees showed he was not worried about blowback and was another signal that he had one foot out the door.

Candidates for McConnell's seat reportedly include former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Rep. Andy Barr, and businessman Nate Morris.