Senator Mitch McConnell, once the Republican leader, continues his stay in the hospital, three weeks after being admitted for undisclosed health issues. Aides have withheld details about his condition, leading to speculation about his prognosis and his ability to return to the Capitol when the Senate reconvenes next week following a recess. McConnell, 84, plans to retire in January.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune spoke with McConnell on the phone, describing their discussion as lengthy and substantive, covering topics like national security. Thune, responsible for managing vote counts with his narrow majority, remains informed on illness and absences among his peers. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the second-ranking Senate Republican, conversed with McConnell for 20 minutes about Senate races, the Supreme Court, and other subjects.
Barrasso’s spokesperson, Kate Noyes, shared that McConnell was fully engaged and eager to return to the Senate. Republican strategist Scott Jennings also spoke with McConnell, confirming that he’s still recovering in the hospital. They talked about politics, foreign policy, and Senate history.
A statement from McConnell’s office confirmed he was admitted on June 14, emphasizing the quality of care he’s receiving. Subsequent statements noted he wouldn’t vote that week and appreciated the support during his hospital stay. Reports indicate McConnell is improving and remains involved in Senate and Kentucky matters during the recess.
This hospitalization follows others in recent years. In March 2023, McConnell was hospitalized with a concussion after a fall in a Washington hotel, causing him to miss weeks of work. Incidents of freezing during news conferences required assistance from colleagues, including Barrasso, a doctor. Prior falls occurred in 2019, including surgery for a fractured shoulder.
Early childhood polio has presented lifelong difficulties for McConnell in walking and climbing stairs. Despite these challenges, he has consistently shown up for Senate sessions using a wheelchair. Elected to the Senate in 1984, McConnell served as Republican leader from 2007 to 2022, leading as both majority and minority leader.