Sen. Mitch McConnell, 83, checked himself into a hospital on the evening of February 2, due to flu-like symptoms that emerged over the weekend. His spokesperson, David Popp, relayed this information and stated that the Kentucky senator is expected to recover fully.
According to McConnell’s office, he remains in regular communication with his staff while in the hospital and is thankful for the excellent care he’s receiving.
McConnell’s hospitalization resulted in his absence from Senate votes on both Monday and Tuesday, a notable absence during a crucial legislative period. His office stated that he is keen to resume Senate duties once he is fully recovered.
This hospitalization is part of a series of health-related events affecting the Kentucky Republican, including multiple falls and related incidents in the past few years. In December 2024, McConnell suffered a facial cut and sprained his wrist after falling at the Capitol.
The latest fall occurred on October 16, 2025, when McConnell fell in the basement of the Russell Senate Office Building as an activist approached him.
In February 2025, McConnell experienced two falls in a single day at the Capitol—first on stairs outside the Senate chamber following a confirmation vote, and then again during a Republican conference lunch. After these incidents, McConnell used a wheelchair and wore a medical boot for mobility around the Capitol in February and March 2025. His office linked these mobility challenges to the lasting effects of polio, which McConnell contracted at age two and which partially paralyzed his left leg—a condition that has remained with him throughout his life.
In 2023, McConnell was hospitalized due to a concussion following a fall at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C.
Also in 2023, McConnell had two incidents of momentary unresponsiveness while conversing with reporters, once at the Capitol. McConnell’s aides attributed these episodes to lightheadedness.
Despite these health incidents, McConnell has remained an active participant in the Senate, although his physical limitations have become more noticeable.
McConnell’s political career spans more than four decades. First elected to the Senate in 1984, he has been serving continuously since 1985, making him the longest-serving senator in Kentucky history.
McConnell led the Senate Republican caucus from 2007 to 2025, playing a pivotal role in legislative strategy, judicial confirmations, and party messaging. His leadership position made him one of the most influential figures in American politics.
Last year McConnell stepped down as Senate Republican leader, ending his long tenure at the top of the conference. He was succeeded by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who began his term as Senate Majority Leader in January 2025. In February 2025, McConnell announced he would not run for reelection in 2026. His current term will end in January 2027, marking the end of an extraordinary political career.
Several high-profile candidates have already declared their intention to run for the seat, acknowledging the significance of replacing such an influential 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 the oldest currently serving senator at 92 years old. This fact has stimulated ongoing discussions about term limits.
The repeated falls experienced by McConnell highlight the potential risks faced by aging legislators who continue to serve despite physical limitations.