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By Anna Commander
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Republican U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell checked himself into the hospital on Monday night after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Fox News reported, citing his office.
"In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation last night," a spokesperson for the Kentucky lawmaker said Tuesday.
Newsweek was sent the statement after reaching out to McConnell's office for comment Tuesday night.
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Why It Matters
McConnell, who first took office in the Senate in 1985, is the third-longest-serving GOP leader in chamber history and remains an influential Republican voice on national security, appropriations and senatorial rules, making his health and availability consequential for Senate business.
What To Know
"His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving," the statement sent to Newsweek added. "He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business."
McConnell, 83, has not voted in the Senate this week but did vote Friday on a package to fund the remainder of the government, and he also spoke on the floor for several minutes about the full-year defense appropriations bill that day, CBS News reports.
The senior senator, a childhood polio survivor, has faced health challenges in recent years, including a 2023 concussion after a fall and two separate moments that year when he appeared to freeze during public remarks.
He also suffered minor injuries after another fall in 2024 and told reporters he was “feeling good” after spraining his wrist, NBC News reported.
What People Are Saying
Conservative influencer Nick Sortor, on X Tuesday: "BREAKING: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has once again been HOSPITALIZED McConnell has experience NUMEROUS medical episodes recently, freezing up, collapsing, and being unable to do his job. I sympathize with the Senator, but the Senate is NOT A NURSING HOME. Time to RESIGN, McConnell. This is an example of just one of McConnell’s recent medical episodes. There are many to choose from."
What Happens Next
McConnell’s office said he remained in regular contact with staff and looked forward to returning to Senate business, but did not provide a timeline for discharge or a return to Capitol Hill.
Update 2/3/26, 9:08 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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