Mitch McConnell checked himself into a local hospital on Monday night after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, according to a statement from his office that was reported by Fox News.
“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation last night,” a spokesperson said Tuesday.
The statement added that McConnell’s “prognosis is positive” and that he is grateful for the care he is receiving. It also said he remains in regular contact with his staff and is looking forward to returning to Senate business. The statement was provided to Newsweek after the outlet contacted his office for comment.
McConnell, who first entered the United States Senate in 1985, remains a significant Republican figure—particularly on national security, appropriations, and Senate procedure—meaning his health can have practical implications for day-to-day Senate operations.
McConnell, 83, has not voted in the Senate this week, though he did vote Friday on a funding package for the remainder of the government and also delivered floor remarks about the full-year defense appropriations bill, CBS News reported.
In recent years, he has faced multiple health setbacks. He is a childhood polio survivor and suffered a concussion in 2023 after a fall. That same year, he twice appeared to freeze during public comments. He later sustained minor injuries after another fall in 2024 and told reporters he was “feeling good” after spraining his wrist, according to NBC News.
On Tuesday, conservative influencer Nick Sortor reacted on X by calling on McConnell to resign, citing his recent medical episodes.
McConnell’s office has not given a timeline for when he might be discharged or when he could return to Capitol Hill, saying only that he remains in touch with staff and intends to resume Senate work when able.
