Senator Mitch McConnell said he is regaining strength after a fall that caused brief unconsciousness and a weeks-long hospitalization.
Senator Mitch McConnell said he is regaining strength after a fall that caused brief unconsciousness and a weeks-long hospitalization. He said doctors confirmed no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumor or hemorrhage.
The 84‑year‑old Kentucky Republican was admitted to a hospital on June 14 and has been absent from the Senate ever since, leading to speculation about his health. His statement came after the recent death of fellow Senator Lindsey Graham and amid uncertainty over the Republican majority, which now holds 51 seats compared with 47 Democrats.
McConnell said he underwent a battery of tests, was treated for mild pneumonia, and was transferred to a rehabilitation facility. He added that he will continue to work with his staff on Senate business and intends to finish his term before retiring at the end of January.
The senator has a history of health issues, including childhood polio and recurring falls related to a post‑polio condition. He served as Senate majority and minority leader from 2007 to 2023 and remains active as a rank‑and‑file senator, often using a wheelchair.
McConnell’s update follows a public request from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for greater transparency. He said he remains determined to complete his responsibilities for Kentuckians.
- Publisher
- aljazeera
- Reliability
- high
- Published
- 7/13/2026, 10:00:36 AM
- Retrieved
- 7/13/2026, 10:00:36 AM
- Relevance
- 80%
- Confidence
- 85%

