Kentucky Senator McConnell Discharged from Hospital

The longtime Republican leader was treated for flu-like symptoms.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Kentucky Republican U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday after checking himself in last week due to experiencing flu-like symptoms. McConnell's office stated that he is feeling better and will be working from home this week on the advice of his doctors.

Why it matters

As the longtime Senate Republican leader, McConnell's health is closely watched, especially as he nears the end of his Senate career. His hospitalization raised concerns about his wellbeing and the potential impact on the Senate's operations.

The details

McConnell, who will turn 84 later this month, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1984 and announced last year that he would not seek re-election in 2026. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said last week that McConnell had been 'out texting and calling from a hospital bed' and discussed federal funding going to Kentucky.

  • McConnell checked himself into the hospital last week.
  • McConnell was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.

The players

Mitch McConnell

The longtime Republican U.S. Senator from Kentucky who serves as the Senate Republican leader.

Robert Stivers

The Republican President of the Kentucky Senate, who provided an update on McConnell's condition while he was hospitalized.

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What they’re saying

“McConnell had been 'out texting and calling from a hospital bed' and discussed federal funding going to Kentucky in a package signed by President Donald Trump last week.”

— Robert Stivers, Kentucky Senate President (heartlandsignal.com)

What’s next

McConnell is expected to continue working from home this week as he recovers, and his future political plans will likely be closely watched as he nears the end of his Senate career.

The takeaway

The hospitalization of the powerful Senate Republican leader highlights the importance of senior lawmakers' health and the potential impact on the legislative process, especially as McConnell approaches retirement after nearly four decades in the Senate.