Mitch McConnell Hospitalized Again: Kentucky Senator and Minority Leader Absent from Senate Due to Injury

Washington, D.C.–Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Senate Republican leader, was hospitalized on Wednesday after tripping at a local hotel, according to a spokesman for the senator. McConnell, who is 81, was attending a private dinner in Washington when he tripped and was admitted to a hospital for treatment. His office did not provide additional detail on his condition or how long he may be absent from the Senate.

This is not the first time McConnell has suffered from an injury. In 2019, he suffered a shoulder fracture after tripping and falling at his home in Kentucky. McConnell underwent surgery to repair the fracture and worked from home for several weeks as he recovered.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., suffered a stroke during his campaign last year and was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who is 89 years old, was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles.

The Democratic absences have proven a challenge for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is already navigating a very narrow 51-49 majority. The Republicans, as the minority party, have had an easier time with intermittent absences. It is unclear if McConnell will be out on Thursday and if that would have an effect on scheduled votes. South Dakota Sen. John Thune is the Senate’s No. 2 Republican.

McConnell, who was first elected in 1984, became the longest-serving Senate leader in January when the new Congress convened, breaking the previous record of 16 years. Despite his age and recent injury, McConnell has not indicated any plans to retire from the Senate.

Photo: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – official photo.