U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, D-Ky., is pictured holding the sports section of the Washington Post on July 12, 2026. His wife, Elaine Chao, sits next to him.
Source: Office of US Senator Mitch McConnell
McConnell, 84 – who was absent on Senate since he was hospitalized on June 14, he also presented his photo with a statement explaining his condition. His absence and hospitalization have been heavily speculated in recent weeks, especially since it happened reported that emergency services responded to the incident cardiac arrest at home.
McConnell, a polio survivor, sought to quell speculation about his health.
“Last month I had a fall that landed me in the hospital,” McConnell said in a statement to his constituents. “My doctors confirmed that I had no broken bones and no concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or stroke. I have no tumors or bleeding. But I was unconscious for a short time and was taken to the hospital.”
The former Senate GOP leader said he also “had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia” while in the hospital. In a photo released with his statement, McConnell holds a copy of the July 12 sports section of The Washington Post.
McConnell is the longest-serving party leader in Senate history. He stepped down as leader at the start of this Congress, handing over the reins of government to the Senate. John ToonRS.D.
Last week, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asked McConnell to provide an update on his health and fitness for duty after the senator’s office provided infrequent updates on his condition throughout his hospitalization, causing questions about his condition to swirl.
McConnell said in a statement that he remains fit to serve but will not return to the Senate yet.
“As much as I’m disappointed, this process takes time. And on the recommendation of the doctors, I will not be able to return to the Senate to vote yet,” he said. “But rest assured that, in the meantime, I am not resting from your important Senate business. I work closely with my legislative staff on current issues and with my team in Kentucky, who help me provide timely service to constituents across our Commonwealth.”
McConnell will retire at the end of his term next year.
