Mitch McConnell Says He Has Left Rehabilitation
The Kentucky senator offered few details of his condition.
Senator Mitch McConnell said Thursday he has left a rehabilitation center nearly eight weeks after a fall led to his hospitalization and disappearance from public view.
“Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff,” the Kentucky Republican said in a brief statement.
“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”
Mr. McConnell was hospitalized June 14 after falling at home and briefly losing consciousness, he said in an earlier statement. He later developed a mild case of pneumonia.
Doctors said examinations found no fractures, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, tumor, or hemorrhage. After weeks in a hospital, Mr. McConnell moved to a rehabilitation facility for physical therapy and work aimed at reducing future falls.
The senator, who had polio as a child, has said that illness left him with lifelong mobility challenges. The Senate’s attending physician said his post-polio condition contributed to several falls during the year.
Thursday’s statement did not say when Mr. McConnell expects to return to his office or resume voting on the Senate floor.
McConnell’s prolonged absence and the limited public information about his condition prompted Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to demand greater transparency.
Mr. Beshear called on Mr. McConnell last month to address Kentuckians and provide proof that he can continue serving or resign. The governor also asked Senate Majority Leader John Thune to investigate Mr. McConnell’s condition.
Unlike previous statements, Thursday’s did not include a photograph of the senator. Mr. McConnell’s office released two pictures showing him with his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The first, released July 12, marked his first statement after nearly a month of hospitalization. His office published another photograph in late July after Mr. Beshear raised questions about Mr. McConnell’s capacity. No audio or video of Mr. McConnell speaking accompanied either image.
Mr. McConnell has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985 and is the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history. He stepped down as Republican leader in January 2025.
He announced last year that he would not seek an eighth term. His current term expires in January 2027.
Republican Congressman Andy Barr faces Democratic nominee Charles Booker, a former state legislator, in November’s election for the seat.
Thursday’s statement offered no additional medical details beyond his discharge and continuing therapy. It also did not address Mr. Beshear’s request that Mr. McConnell speak directly to the public.
Contacted by The Washington Star, Scottie Ellis, Mr. Beshear’s communication director, said, “The Governor wishes Senator McConnell well in his recovery and is glad he is leaving the hospital, but McConnell shouldn’t have left the American people in the dark for the last two months. The Senator says he intends to engage with his colleagues and his staff but leaves out the most important people of all — the people of Kentucky.”
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