McConnell hospital stay puts pressure on narrow Senate majority
The Kentucky Republican has not voted since June 11, raising uncertainty inside his party about when he can return to the Senate.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Senator Mitch McConnell’s continued hospitalization is drawing concern from Republicans because his absence leaves the party with less room to maneuver in a closely divided Senate. Al Jazeera and AFP reported that the 84-year-old Kentucky Republican has not cast a vote since June 11 and was admitted to a hospital three days later, according to his office.
McConnell served for a decade as the Senate’s top Republican and is still a key figure in the chamber. His staff has not disclosed the reason for his hospitalization or described any treatment he is receiving, Al Jazeera and AFP reported.
In its latest public account, McConnell’s staff said he was “receiving excellent care.” The staff also said the senator “continues to improve” and has been working with aides on Kentucky and Senate business while the chamber is out of session.
Republicans seek clarity
Several Republicans have said they recently had contact with McConnell. Scott Jennings, a political commentator and former adviser to McConnell, wrote on X on Tuesday that he had spoken with the senator that morning for about 20 minutes.
Jennings said he told McConnell that people wanted to see him return to work soon. Politico reported that the offices of Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Republican Senator John Barrasso said both senators had also spoken with McConnell recently.
Other Republican lawmakers have pointed to the limited information available about McConnell’s health. Utah Senator Mike Lee wrote on X that many senators were not discussing McConnell’s condition because they did not know what it was, responding to a post from a Make America Great Again influencer, according to Al Jazeera and AFP.
Lee’s comment rejected the idea that senators were taking part in a coordinated effort to hide information, while underscoring how little McConnell’s office has made public. Al Jazeera and AFP reported that no details have been released about the cause of the hospital stay.
Senate math tightens
McConnell’s absence has practical consequences for Republicans, who hold a 53-47 Senate majority, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. With margins that narrow, one missing senator can affect floor votes and committee work.
Al Jazeera and AFP reported that McConnell’s absence has already helped Democrats pass a resolution opposing President Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting that measure.
If McConnell remains away from Washington, Senate Republicans could face more difficulty advancing defense funding and other bills through the Senate Appropriations Committee, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The committee role adds to the political weight of his absence beyond floor votes.
McConnell has already said he plans to leave office when his term ends in January 2027, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. If he were to leave the Senate before then, Kentucky would likely hold a special election to fill the seat.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.