Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is hospitalized with flu-like symptoms but has a “positive” prognosis, his office says.
“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation last night,” McConnell spokesman David Popp told the Washington Examiner.
“His prognosis is positive, and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business,” Popp said.
The Kentucky senator has been absent from votes in the upper chamber this week, missing Tuesday’s vote on the nomination of Nicholas Jon Ganjei to be the next U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Texas.
McConnell, 83, has experienced several falls in the past several years, including one in October. His office has continually pointed to the senator’s leg stiffness as a result of his childhood polio sickness.
Several weeks after a February 2025 fall on the Senate floor, McConnell announced he would be retiring in January 2027 at the end of his term.
ANDY BARR BOASTS CASH ADVANTAGE WHILE DANIEL CAMERON LEADS IN KENTUCKY SENATE POLLS
There are currently three GOP candidates vying for McConnell’s empty seat in the May 19 Republican primary: Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and businessman Nate Morris. The Democratic primary is crowded as well, with over half a dozen Democratic candidates seeking to flip the Senate seat blue on Nov. 3.
Ramsey Touchberry contributed to this report.
