McConnell to retain Pelosi-sized sway despite retirement from Senate leadership

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) could become a power broker akin to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as he prepares to step down from leadership at the end of the year.

McConnell has already made clear he won’t be shrinking from the national spotlight, even as a rank-and-file member. He sees himself as a voice against a new brand of Republican isolationism and plans to use his seniority in the Senate to speak out on foreign policy.