U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-KY, photographed holding the Washington Post’s sports section, July 12, 2026. His wife, Ellen Chao, is sitting next to him.
Source: Office of US Senator Mitch McConnell
McConnell, 84 — who has been absent from the Senate since being hospitalized on June 14 — also provided a photo of himself along with a statement explaining his condition. There has been intense speculation in recent weeks about his absence and hospitalization, especially after it informed Emergency services responded to a case of cardiac arrest at his home.
McConnell, a polio survivor, tried to put an end to speculation over his health.
“Last month, I had a fall that left me hospitalized,” McConnell said in a statement to his voters. “My doctors have confirmed that I haven’t broken any bones or been hurt. I haven’t had a heart attack or stroke. I don’t have any tumors or bleeding. But I was unconscious for a while and was taken to the hospital.”
The former Senate GOP leader said he also “battled a mild case of pneumonia” during his hospital stay. In a photo released with his statement, McConnell is holding a copy of the sports section of the July 12 edition of The Washington Post.
McConnell is the longest-serving party leader in Senate history. He resigned as leader at the beginning of this Congress and was succeeded by Senator John Thune, R.S.D. handed over the reins to.
Last week, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear requested that McConnell provide an update on his health and fitness after the senator’s office provided very few updates on his condition during his hospitalization, raising questions about his condition.
McConnell said in the statement that he is fit to serve, but will not return to the Senate immediately.
He said, “As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time. And on the advice of my doctors, I will not be able to return to vote in the Senate just yet.” “But rest assured, in the meantime, I am not taking a break from the Senate work that matters to you. I am working closely with my legislative staff and my Kentucky team on current issues that help me provide timely constituent services across our Commonwealth.”
McConnell will retire at the end of his term next year.