The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.

Statement released to the press following the death of Antonin Scalia, noting that the Senate would not confirm Barack Obama's nominee Merrick Garland. The statement was quoted extensively at the time and in subsequent pronouncements by McConnell stating that he would be willing to allow a nomination in 2020 before the election at the end of Donald Trump's first term. Cf. with statements on the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.