Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized Sunday morning, his office announced without specifying why. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican is receiving “excellent care,” according to his spokesman David Popp, but no details about his condition or the reason for admission have been released.
McConnell’s hospitalization marks the second time in recent months he has required hospital care. In February 2026, he spent eight days hospitalized for what his office described at the time as “flu-like symptoms.”
The former Senate Republican leader has experienced several health challenges in recent years. In March 2023, he suffered a concussion and broken ribs after a fall and was absent from the Senate for nearly six weeks, according to Politico and NPR. That same year, he froze mid-sentence during two separate news conferences—once in July for nearly 30 seconds—raising public concern about his fitness to serve. He has also had multiple falls and has used a wheelchair in the Capitol in recent months, which his office has described as a precautionary measure.
McConnell has always had a somewhat unsteady gait, a lingering effect of childhood polio that paralyzed his left leg when he contracted the disease at age two. Despite these health challenges, he continued his Senate duties and stepped down from his position as Republican leader in 2024. He announced in February 2025 that he would not seek another six-year term, ending his decades-long Senate career at the end of this year.
Sources
- Politico — McConnell hospitalized Sunday morning, condition undisclosed, spokesperson statement about excellent care
- NPR — McConnell admitted to hospital Sunday, age 84, history of freezing episodes and falls, polio survivor background
- Reuters — Confirmation of Sunday hospitalization and spokesperson statement
- The New York Times — McConnell hospitalized, no details given about condition
- NBC News — McConnell admitted to hospital, previously hospitalized in February 2026
- CNN — McConnell hospitalized, history of concussion and broken ribs from 2023 fall
- The Hill — McConnell discharged from hospital in February 2026 after flu-like symptoms
- WBAL-TV — McConnell health history including 2023 concussion and freezing episodes
