On Monday evening, February 2, Sen. Mitch McConnell, 83, admitted himself into a hospital due to flu-like symptoms he developed over the weekend, said his spokesperson, David Popp. The prognosis for the Kentucky senator is reported as positive.
McConnell’s office stated that the senator continues to maintain regular contact with his staff and is appreciative of the high-quality care he is receiving at the hospital.
This hospitalization led to McConnell’s absence from Senate votes on Monday and Tuesday, a conspicuous absence during a busy legislative period. His office expressed that he is eager to return to Senate business once he has recovered.
This recent health issue is part of a series of medical events for the Kentucky Republican, including several falls and related incidents in recent years. In December 2024, McConnell sustained a cut to his face and sprained his wrist after falling at the Capitol.
The most recent fall took place on October 16, 2025, when McConnell fell in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building as he was approached by an activist.
In February 2025, McConnell fell twice in one day at the Capitol—first on stairs outside the Senate chamber post a confirmation vote, and then again during a Republican conference lunch. After these incidents, McConnell used a wheelchair and wore a medical boot to move around the Capitol in February and March 2025 as a safety measure. His office linked these mobility issues to the lasting effects of polio that McConnell contracted at age two. This disease paralyzed part of his left leg, a condition that has persisted throughout his life.
In 2023, McConnell was hospitalized for a concussion after a fall at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C.
In the same year, McConnell experienced two instances of becoming momentarily unresponsive while speaking with reporters, once at the Capitol. McConnell’s assistants attributed these episodes to lightheadedness.
Despite these health incidents, McConnell has continued to play an active role in the Senate, although his physical limitations have become more visible.
McConnell’s political career spans over four decades. He was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and has been serving continuously since 1985, making him the longest-serving senator in Kentucky’s history.
McConnell led the Senate Republican caucus from 2007 to 2025, playing a key role in legislative strategy, judicial confirmations, and party messaging. His leadership position made him one of the most influential figures in American politics.
McConnell stepped down as Senate Republican leader last year, concluding his long term at the top of the conference. He was succeeded by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who officially began his term as Senate Majority Leader in January 2025. In February 2025, he declared he would not run for reelection in 2026. His current term will end in January 2027, marking the culmination of an exceptional political career.
Several high-profile candidates have already declared their intention to run for the seat, recognizing the impact of replacing such a significant figure in state and national politics.
McConnell is the third-oldest member of the Senate, with Sen. Bernie Sanders being 84 years old and Sen. Chuck Grassley being 92 years old, making him the oldest currently serving senator. The advanced age of several senators has sparked ongoing discussions about term limits.
Concerns about age and fitness among Senate leadership have been amplified by McConnell’s health issues. The Senate has seen several incidents involving elderly senators grappling with health issues while trying to fulfill their legislative responsibilities.
McConnell’s repeated falls underscore the potential hazards faced by aging legislators who continue to serve despite their physical limitations.
With McConnell still hospitalized due to flu-like symptoms, his absence is felt during a busy period in the Senate. His office has not provided a specific timeline for his return but stated that he’s eager to resume Senate duties. The positive prognosis indicates he may return relatively soon, but given his recent health history, his medical condition warrants close attention.
