The following statement was released after the announcement that U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, will step down as his party’s leader in the chamber:

I have known Mitch for nearly 30 years.  When I first entered the U.S. Senate, I looked for someone who had a real grasp of the Senate – someone who just knew how to get things done.  That person was Mitch McConnell.

I always enjoyed working with Sen. McConnell and he taught me a lot about the ins and outs of how the Senate works. He is a great strategist and many times, I sought his counsel on how to get an amendment or a bill passed.

Sen. McConnell is focused — and never loses sight of the big picture and the importance of getting things accomplished for the people of Kentucky and for the people of this country. Because of that focus and dedication to conservative ideals, he is responsible for the conservative U.S. Supreme Court that we have today. 

I applaud Senator McConnell for being a fierce and unrelenting advocate for the people of Ukraine and for continued U.S. aid in their war against Russia. He understands that wholeheartedly supporting Ukraine is in our national interest and that more aid to Ukraine is essential to standing up against tyranny, oppression, and the evil Putin regime.    

I thank Sen. McConnell for his service and wish his wife Elaine and him well as he finishes serving as Republican Leader.

—Mike DeWine is a Republican and the governor of Ohio.