Kentucky Senator Remains Hospitalized as Senate Recess Continues

Staff for Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell said the senator is continuing his recovery in a hospital while the Senate is out of session. The office released a statement last week confirming the hospitalization but provided no details on his condition or whether he will return when the Senate reconvenes next week. A follow-up statement indicated he would not be voting that week.

McConnell, 84, has experienced several health events in recent years. He was hospitalized with a concussion in March 2023 after falling at a Washington hotel and missed several weeks of work. Later that summer, he froze during two news conferences. In 2024, he fell and sprained his wrist while leaving a GOP luncheon.

He has acknowledged long-term mobility issues stemming from childhood polio and underwent shoulder surgery after a 2019 fall.

McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and served as Republican leader from 2007 until last year. He is serving his final term, which ends in January.