Sen. Mitch McConnell, 83, admitted himself to a hospital on the night of February 2, 2026, after developing flu-like symptoms over the weekend. His spokesperson, David Popp, shared the update and noted that the Kentucky senator was expected to make a good recovery. McConnell was released from the hospital on February 10.
Popp stated: “Senator McConnell was discharged from the hospital yesterday and appreciates the exceptional care he received. He is feeling better and plans to work from home this week per his doctors’ recommendations.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters he spoke with McConnell on Sunday and said the senator has remained “engaged” in Senate matters.
McConnell’s office said he stayed in frequent contact with his staff while hospitalized and missed Senate votes on Monday and Tuesday.
This latest hospitalization comes after several falls in recent years. In December 2024, McConnell sustained a facial injury and a sprained wrist after a fall at the Capitol.
The most recent fall happened on October 16, 2025, when McConnell tripped in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building as an activist approached him.
In February 2025, McConnell fell twice in one day at the Capitol—first on stairs outside the Senate chamber after the confirmation vote for Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, and then again inside or near the Senate chamber. Following these events, he used a wheelchair and wore a medical boot to navigate the Capitol throughout February and March 2025. His office attributed these mobility issues to lingering effects of childhood polio, which partially paralyzed his left leg and has affected him throughout his life.
In 2023, McConnell was hospitalized after suffering a concussion and minor rib fracture from a fall at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C.
That same year, McConnell experienced two brief episodes of unresponsiveness during exchanges with reporters, one of which occurred at the Capitol. His aides said the incidents were caused by lightheadedness.
McConnell has served in political office for more than forty years. Elected to the Senate in 1984 and taking office in 1985, he is the longest-serving senator in Kentucky’s history.
McConnell led the Senate Republican caucus from 2007 until 2025, significantly shaping legislative strategy, judicial confirmations, and the party’s overall messaging. His leadership made him one of the most influential figures in U.S. politics.
He stepped down as Senate Republican leader last year, ending his long tenure at the top. He was followed by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who assumed the Senate Majority Leader role in January 2025. In February 2025, McConnell announced he would not seek reelection in 2026. His term concludes in January 2027, closing a remarkable political career.
Several prominent candidates have already launched campaigns for his seat, recognizing the importance of succeeding such a significant political figure.
McConnell is currently the third-oldest member of the Senate, behind Sen. Bernie Sanders at 84 and Sen. Chuck Grassley, the oldest sitting senator, at 92. This detail has fueled ongoing debates about term limits.
