The Senate’s top two Republicans recently communicated with Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. He remains hospitalized with undisclosed health issues, over three weeks since his admission.
Details about McConnell’s condition remain scarce as his aides choose not to release updates, fueling speculation about his recovery. His ability to return to Capitol Hill when the Senate reconvenes after a two-week recess remains uncertain. McConnell is set to retire in January at the end of his term. He is 84.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., spoke with McConnell by phone on Monday. Thune reported a substantive conversation covering topics like national security. As the leader, Thune often remains informed about illnesses within the conference due to his duty managing vote counts within his 53-47 majority.
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the No. 2 Senate Republican, conversed with McConnell for 20 minutes on Tuesday. They discussed upcoming Senate races, the Supreme Court, and other matters. Barrasso’s spokeswoman, Kate Noyes, stated, “Senator McConnell was fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate.”
Additionally, Republican strategist Scott Jennings mentioned on X platform that he spoke with McConnell on Tuesday for 20 minutes, discussing politics, foreign policy, and some Senate history.
McConnell was admitted to the hospital on June 14. His office initially announced he was “receiving excellent care.”
Although a statement later noted he would not vote that week, recent updates have been sparse. On Thursday, a new statement expressed McConnell’s gratitude for the support he has received during his recovery. He continues to work with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.
McConnell’s hospitalization follows several recent medical issues. He suffered a concussion in March 2023 after a fall in a Washington hotel, resulting in missed weeks of work. Post-recovery, he experienced freezing episodes during press conferences, needing assistance from colleagues and staff, including Barrasso, a doctor.
Previously, McConnell fell, spraining his wrist after a GOP luncheon, and he also suffered from a childhood bout with polio that affects his ability to walk and climb stairs. In 2019, he had surgery for a fractured shoulder after a fall at his Kentucky home.
Elected to the Senate in 1984, McConnell served as the Republican leader from 2007 until last year, holding both majority and minority leader roles during that time. He continues to participate actively as a senator, often using a wheelchair to navigate the Capitol.