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Jul 27, 2026

McConnell Leaves Hospital, Still Not ‘Medically Cleared’ To Return To Senate

Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell is recovering from a fall last month that resulted in his release from the hospital, but he is not yet “medically cleared” to return to the Senate.

His office gave the latest update Monday on the longtime Senate Republican, who has been absent from the upper chamber and the public eye for more than a month. McConnell “continues his recovery from a fall at home in June,” the Office of the Attending Physician said in a statement.

“OAP physicians visit with the senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care,” the Office of the Attending Physician said.

“Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls,” the Office of the Attending Physician added.

“His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility,” they continued. “He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”

The latest word from McConnell-world comes after weeks of speculation that have generated a ravenous rumor mill that has churned out allegations that the longest-serving Republican leader in Senate history was dead or in a vegetative state.

Why Mitch McConnell Isn't Giving Up His Senate Seat - The New York Times

Republicans are sprinting to clear decks of several legislative priorities where McConnell’s vote could be needed, including on advancing a Russia sanctions package and confirming blockbuster nominees, and his extended absence and murky timeline for his return to the Senate come as these issues are coming to a head.

The most recent tweet included a photo of McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, taken on Sunday, and a statement from the lawmaker in which he lamented that he would not be able to attend the annual barbecue at Fancy Farm, Kentucky, which has become a staple for him and politicians to speak in the Blue Grass State, because of his recovery.

“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday,” McConnell said.

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