U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, photographed holding the Sports activities part of the July 12, 2026, Washington Submit. Elaine Chao, his spouse, is seated subsequent to him.
Supply: The workplace of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell
McConnell, 84 — who has been absent from the Senate since he was hospitalized on June 14 — additionally supplied a photograph of himself with an announcement explaining his situation. His absence and hospitalization have been speculated on intensely in current weeks, particularly after it was reported that emergency providers responded to a case of cardiac arrest at his house.
McConnell, who’s a polio survivor, sought to place the hypothesis over his well being to relaxation.
“[L]ast month, I took a fall which landed me within the hospital,” McConnell mentioned within the assertion to his constituents. “My docs have confirmed that I did not break any bones or undergo a concussion. I did not have a coronary heart assault or a stroke. I haven’t got any tumors or hemorrhages. However I used to be briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital.”
The previous Senate GOP chief mentioned he additionally “needed to take care of a gentle case of pneumonia” whereas within the hospital. In a photograph launched together with his assertion, McConnell is holding a duplicate of the Sports activities part of the July 12 version of The Washington Submit.
McConnell is the longest-serving celebration chief in Senate historical past. He stepped down from the chief publish in the beginning of this Congress, handing the reins to Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
Final week, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear requested that McConnell present an replace on his well being and health to serve after the senator’s workplace supplied sparse updates on his situation all through his hospitalization, leaving questions on his situation swirling.
McConnell mentioned within the assertion that he stays match to serve, however is not going to return to the Senate but.
“As a lot because it frustrates me, this course of takes time. And on the recommendation of my docs, I will not be capable to return to the Senate ground to vote fairly but,” he mentioned. “However relaxation assured that, within the meantime, I am not taking a break from the Senate enterprise that issues to you. I have been working intently with my legislative employees on present points, and with my Kentucky crew who assist me present well timed constituent providers throughout our Commonwealth.”
McConnell will retire on the finish of his time period subsequent 12 months.
