Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with ‘flu-like symptoms’
Feb. 3 (UPI) — Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized Monday night after experiencing what his spokesperson said were “flu-like symptoms” over the weekend.
The 83-year-old Republican of Kentucky checked himself into a local hospital out of “an abundance of caution,” his spokesperson, David Popp, told Axios in a statement on Tuesday.
“His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving,” Popp said. “He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”
Popp issued the statement after McConnell missed Senate votes on Monday and Tuesday.
The longtime Republican leader, a polio survivor who turns 84 later this month, announced nearly a year ago that he would not seek re-election in 2026 and would retire at the end of his term.
The health of McConnell has raised concerns about his future in the Senate following a series of falls and hospitalizations over the last few years.
In August 2019, McConnell suffered a fractured shoulder from a fall at his Kentucky home.
In March 2023, he was hospitalized for a concussion sustained in a fall at a Washington, D.C., hotel.
Prior to announcing his retirement, McConnell froze twice during press conferences, leading to concerns about him suffering from possible medical issues. He has not frozen in such a public manner since, but Politico reported that he is often seen needing assistance moving about the Capitol.
At more than 40 years of service, McConnell is the 10th longest-serving senator in U.S. history.