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Republican Senator Mitch McConnell was formerly the Senate Majority leader—a position he held when the Republican party took control of the Senate in 2015.
He became the longest-serving Senate Republican leader in recent U.S. history.
After six years, McConnell lost control of the Senate and became the Senate Minority Leader after three new Democratic senators were sworn into office following Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.
The Senate was split 50-50—including two independent Senators that caucus with the Democrats—between both parties after Democratic Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock won the Georgia runoff elections and joined California Secretary of State Alex Padilla who was appointed to fill Vice President Kamala Harris' Senate seat.
But the Democrats were given a nominal majority with newly-inaugurated Vice President Harris becoming the tie-breaking vote.
NBC political news reporter Sahil Kapur tweeted about the moment McConnell went from being the Senate Majority Leader to Senate Minority Leader.
Mitch McConnell watches as Kamala Harris makes history — and becomes the tie-breaking vote that will soon dislodge… https://t.co/X4n3lXry28— Sahil Kapur (@Sahil Kapur) 1611162486.0
On social media, it appeared McConnell was none too pleased with his newly-minted title and refused to acknowledge being the Senate Minority Leader.
Instead, the 78-year-old Kentucky Senator adopted a new Twitter handle, @LeaderMcConnell, and described himself as the "U.S. Senate Republican Leader."
Can we talk about how Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is referring to himself "Senate Republican Leader" and… https://t.co/MjN84KAOUp— Brandon Friedman (@Brandon Friedman) 1611255323.0
@BFriendmanDC/Twitter
Queerty noted McConnell's previous Twitter handle, @senatemajldr, has been deactivated.
@senatemajldr/Twitter
But despite McConnell's attempt at disassociating himself with the "Minority" title descriptor, Twitter made sure everyone was up to speed about his official new position in the Senate.
Just in case there was any confusion.
Mitch McConnell is now the Senate Minority Leader. https://t.co/ql60fzxVFM— KOFI🕧 (@KOFI🕧) 1611180342.0
Good morning! It’s a brilliant day to say “Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell “— 🏳️🌈 Erinus Shotlock, European 🇪🇺 (he/him) (@🏳️🌈 Erinus Shotlock, European 🇪🇺 (he/him)) 1611222155.0
@ErinusShotlock Just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it.— Gay-da Messence Small ✊🏾✊🏿🏳️🌈🇸🇪🇹🇷 (@Gay-da Messence Small ✊🏾✊🏿🏳️🌈🇸🇪🇹🇷) 1611222205.0
Every time I read “minority leader Mitch McConnell” it makes me smile.— Dr. missoularedhead is already over hyflex (@Dr. missoularedhead is already over hyflex) 1611238700.0
Minority leader Mitch McConnell https://t.co/osssXRpo6Z— Dr. Melissa Bird (@Dr. Melissa Bird) 1611245043.0
Good to read “minority leader” next to Mitch McConnell. https://t.co/IRpnmFdulY— Thomas Kennedy (@Thomas Kennedy) 1611199463.0
@kylegriffin1 It’s gotta hurt 😂 https://t.co/uqfgCS75T6— RoxSheep 🆘 (@RoxSheep 🆘) 1611193502.0
I've waited a long time to say this: Mitch McConnell is no longer Senate Majority Leader.— Cory Booker (@Cory Booker) 1611184386.0
In his first speech as Senate Minority Leader, McConnell congratulated the new administration and said he looked forward to working with Biden and Harris.
"Last fall the American people chose to elect a narrowly divided House of Representatives, a 50-50 Senate, and a president who promised unity."
"The people intentionally entrusted both political parties with significant power to shape out nation's direction. May we work together to honor that trust."
Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer – who became the new Senate Majority Leader – promised to "do business differently."
In his first speech as the head of the chamber, Schumer added:
"The Senate will address the challenges our country faces head-on and without delay, not with timid solutions, but with boldness and with courage."