Mitch McConnell shares first update after mysterious health scare
The longtime Republican says he still has “unfinished business” despite his health setback
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Faye JamesSenior Editor
32 minutes agoJul 13, 2026, 1:44 AM GMT+1
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Mitch McConnell has broken his month-long silence following a worrying health scare, sharing a reassuring new photo from hospital alongside his wife, Elaine Chao, as he revealed he is recovering after a fall left him briefly unconscious
The 84-year-old Republican senator smiled while seated in a hospital chair holding a copy of the Washington Post sports section, offering supporters their first glimpse of him since his unexplained absence from Washington sparked growing concern
In a heartfelt statement addressed to his fellow Kentuckians, the longtime senator thanked supporters for their prayers before revealing exactly what happened. “Over the past several weeks, Elaine and I have appreciated both your well wishes and your honest questions about what was keeping me away from the Senate,” he wrote
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Mitch admitted he had initially been reluctant to discuss his health publicly, saying people of his generation often prefer to keep such matters private
“You all know how folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older,” he said
“But at the same time, I’ve had more than my share of experience with physical vulnerabilities.”
The senator explained that he suffered a fall last month that resulted in a hospital stay. “Last month, I took a fall which landed me in the hospital,” he shared
He went on to reassure supporters that doctors had ruled out several serious medical conditions. “My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages
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“But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital.” While receiving treatment, doctors also diagnosed him with a mild case of pneumonia
Mitch revealed that after extensive testing, he has now left hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation centre, where he continues to regain his strength. “I’ve submitted to every test they can think of to help figure out what caused this incident,” he said
“With signs of continued progress, I’ve been able to move from hospital care to a rehabilitation center where I’ll keep regaining my strength.”
Although he admitted it has been frustrating not being able to return to the Senate, Mitch said his doctors have not yet cleared him to resume voting. “As much as it frustrates me, this process takes time.”
He added that he has continued working closely with his staff and Republican colleagues throughout his recovery.
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Mitch, who has already announced he will retire when his current Senate term ends in January, insisted he still plans to complete the work voters elected him to do. “Part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was being honest about the demands of Senate work,” he wrote
“But I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf, and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do.”
He concluded by promising supporters he would continue updating them on his recovery
“I’ll keep working hard to get back on the Senate floor as soon as possible. And I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my recovery.”
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Mitch’s statement comes after days of intense speculation surrounding his condition, with questions mounting following reports about his prolonged absence from Capitol Hill
Last week, previously unseen footage emerged showing emergency responders transporting the senator from his Washington, D.C., home on a stretcher after he reportedly suffered a medical emergency
The latest incident follows several health challenges in recent years. In 2023, Mitch made headlines after freezing during press conferences, and he has experienced several falls, including one in March 2023 that resulted in a concussion
First elected to the Senate in 1984, Mitch served as Senate Republican leader from 2007 until 2025, making him the longest-serving party leader in the chamber’s history
