WASHINGTON — Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear demanded a health update from Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Wednesday after the former Senate GOP leader was found “unconscious” and rushed to a DC hospital last month.
“Over the last several weeks, Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and wellbeing, and ability to hold office in the United States Senate,” Beshear told McConnell’s office.
“As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health,” the governor added. “As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent.”
“I believe this requires clear communication about one’s ability to serve. We wish you a safe and speedy recovery,” Beshear told the 84-year-old senator.
Unlike some governors, Beshear wouldn’t have a hand in picking McConnell’s replacement should he not be able to complete his Senate term in January.
A 2024 Bluegrass State law requires a special election to be held to fill the remainder of McConnell’s term if he is forced to vacate his seat by Aug. 3. Beshear had vetoed that law but been overruled by the GOP-dominated Kentucky legislature.
A handful of Republicans have said they’ve spoken with McConnell since his hospitalization in mid-June, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and CNN senior political contributor Scott Jennings, a former McConnell adviser.
All three described having lengthy conversations about pressing political issues — including US national security, the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine as well as the US Senate race in Maine, where incumbent Republican Susan Collins is facing a challenge from embattled Democratic candidate Graham Platner.
“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” a spokesperson for McConnell’s office had said in a July 2 statement.
“The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”
On June 14, EMS dispatchers discussed an “unconscious” individual apparently in “cardiac arrest” at McConnell’s longtime residence in Washington and sent an ALS, or Advanced Life Support, ambulance to the home shortly after 9 a.m., according to audio recordings first unearthed by the independent journalist Desireé Townsend.
McConnell’s wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, was on a trip to China that morning, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Tuesday.
“The secretary was on a long-planned trip in China to support her family’s philanthropic endeavors,” the rep said. “During the trip, she met with a number of people, including the US ambassador. The Senator’s health did not warrant an immediate return to the US”
Chao, who served as Trump’s transportation secretary during his first term, has since returned stateside.
Right-wing critics of McConnell spread rumors online that he was “brain dead” and that GOP lawmakers were keeping his true condition hidden.
The third-oldest currently serving senator, McConnell had suffered falls that left him concussed as well as freeze-ups at public press conferences in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
The Kentucky Republican stepped down as Senate GOP leader in January 2025 after holding the position for 18 years.
In February, McConnell was briefly hospitalized for flu-like symptoms, but later recovered. Photos had since shown him being driven by staffers around the US Capitol complex in a wheelchair.
