Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has publicly called on Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky to verify his capability to continue his role in Congress or consider stepping down. The request follows McConnell’s discharge after an extended hospital stay.

In a letter addressed to McConnell, Governor Beshear emphasized the need for the 84-year-old senator to speak directly to the Kentucky residents regarding his capacity to serve. Beshear stated, “I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.”

“MCCONNELL OUT OF HOSPITAL, STILL NOT ‘MEDICALLY CLEARED’ TO RETURN TO SENATE.”

Beshear’s demand was driven by McConnell’s recent discharge announcement, where it was revealed that while McConnell is out of the hospital, he has not been medically cleared to leave the rehabilitation facility. He is currently undergoing physical therapy there.

McConnell’s office further informed the public that he would miss a critical Kentucky political event and forthcoming Senate votes. In his statement, McConnell noted, “I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky, this Saturday. As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”

McConnell’s hospitalization began on June 14, later disclosed as resulting from a fall at his home.

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Since being discharged, McConnell has been participating in multiple physical therapy sessions daily, focusing on strength rebuilding and mitigating future fall risks. His childhood polio condition remains a notable factor in his mobility challenges. The Attending Physician’s office commented, “He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”

Earlier this month, Beshear also urged McConnell to provide more detailed health information, addressing the lack of public statements from McConnell.

The governor has sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, urging an investigation into McConnell’s health if no proof of his competency is provided. Beshear added, “All of this speculation and even this letter could have been avoided with a minimal amount of transparency.”

The ongoing scrutiny of aging elected officials draws from concerns about mental lapses and issues witnessed in recent years. Former Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., passed away in 2023, and former Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., passed earlier this month. Former President Joe Biden halted his re-election campaign planned for 2024 due to pressures relating to his age and mental acuity. Concerns about the fitness of President Donald Trump to serve have been raised by Democrats, pointing to various cognitive mishaps, hospital visits, and apparent physical bruises.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.