Sharon Soderstrom, McConnell’s ‘101st Senator,’ Retires After 43 Years

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sharon R. Soderstrom, a longtime chief of staff for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and a pivotal figure in U.S. Senate operations, retired last month after 43 years of service. Known as the “101st Senator” for her unparalleled influence, Soderstrom was honored in a rare Senate ceremony before the Christmas recess.

Soderstrom, who served as senior adviser to three Republican majority leaders — Trent Lott, William Frist, and McConnell — was celebrated for her mastery of Senate rules, strategic acumen, and mentorship of young staffers. McConnell, in a heartfelt tribute, called her “the greatest at what you do” and acknowledged her role in navigating critical moments in U.S. history, including the aftermath of 9/11 and the January 6 Capitol attack.

Born into a family of educators and public servants, Soderstrom grew up in New York and graduated as valedictorian from The Stony Brook School in 1978. She later attended the University of Virginia, where she majored in English. Her career in Washington began unexpectedly when she joined the office of then-Senator Paul Trible (R-VA) as a phone operator. “I thought I’d work there for a year or two before I found my real job,” Soderstrom recalled. Instead, she found her calling in policy and legislative strategy.

Over the decades, Soderstrom became a cornerstone of Senate operations, earning praise from colleagues and insiders alike. The Hill described her as “an expert on Senate rules and procedure” and a trusted confidante to McConnell. Her ability to navigate complex legislative processes and maintain high morale within McConnell’s office was widely recognized.

Reflecting on her career, Soderstrom highlighted her role in advancing U.S. ratification of NATO expansion following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “I was with Leader McConnell in Finland, then Sweden, the day they voted to join NATO,” she said. “We then were part of the legislative team to drive early U.S. ratification of the treaty.”

However, Soderstrom also expressed concern about the increasing polarization of American politics. “My greatest disappointment has been watching politics become more performative among each party’s base, making progress more difficult,” she said. She echoed journalist Mark Shields‘ observation that political parties often focus on rooting out dissent rather than seeking converts.

As she steps away from the Senate, Soderstrom plans to take a well-deserved break. For the first time in over four decades, her daily routine will no longer revolve around the Senate’s six-year cycles and the constant count to 51 or 60 votes. “I credit my upbringing at The Stony Brook School for modeling lessons that helped me in this role,” she said. “Building and managing a team that maintained our reputation for excellence and high morale was a great good gift.”

Her departure marks the end of an era for the Senate, where she was not just a staffer but a trusted strategist and mentor. As McConnell noted, “In the most trying moments — and the most triumphant ones — a great many of us will feel like something is missing. We will miss Sharon — the 101st Senator.”