McConnell breaks record to become longest-serving Senate leader

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks to his office as he talks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) more >Sen. Mitch McConnell became the longest-serving party leader in the 234-year history of the Senate on Tuesday when the new Congress took office.

Mr. McConnell, Kentucky Republican, surpassed the 16-year record set by former Senate Democratic leader Mike Mansfield of Montana. Mr. Mansfield still holds the record as the longest-serving majority leader, from 1961 to 1977.

“Designated party floor leaders have been a feature of the Senate for more than 100 years and no two have done the job exactly alike,” said Mr.…