Senate Minority Leader McConnell Hospitalized for Flu-Like Symptoms

The 83-year-old senator was admitted to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate Minority Leader, checked himself into a local hospital on Monday evening due to flu-like symptoms. A spokesperson for McConnell's office confirmed the news, stating that the 83-year-old senator began experiencing symptoms over the weekend and went to the hospital as a precautionary measure. The spokesperson added that McConnell's prognosis is positive and he is in regular contact with his staff, looking forward to returning to Senate business.

Why it matters

McConnell's hospitalization comes as he has faced several health issues in recent years, including two notable episodes in 2023 where he appeared to freeze while speaking publicly. The news of his hospitalization also coincides with his decision to not seek re-election, which he announced on his 83rd birthday last February.

The details

According to the spokesperson, McConnell began experiencing flu-like symptoms this past weekend and went to the hospital 'out of an abundance of caution.' The spokesperson stated that McConnell's prognosis is positive and he is in regular contact with his staff, looking forward to returning to his Senate duties.

  • McConnell checked himself into the hospital on Monday evening.
  • McConnell missed Senate votes on Monday and Tuesday.

The players

Mitch McConnell

The 83-year-old Republican senator from Kentucky who serves as the Senate Minority Leader.

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What they’re saying

“His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”

— Spokesperson for Mitch McConnell (wgntv.com)

What’s next

The Senate will continue to operate without McConnell until he is cleared to return, though it remains unclear when that will be.

The takeaway

McConnell's hospitalization highlights the ongoing health concerns surrounding the 83-year-old senator, who has faced several medical episodes in recent years. As he nears the end of his Senate career, this latest incident raises questions about the challenges of aging in a high-profile political role.