Mitch McConnell hospitalized amid ongoing health concerns and final Senate term

Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in US history, has been hospitalised. The 84-year-old Republican stepped down from his leadership role last year while completing his final term, which ends in January. McConnell was admitted to the hospital on an unspecified date. His spokesperson, David Popp, confirmed he is receiving excellent care but gave no further updates. The location of his hospitalisation remains unclear.

Health concerns have followed McConnell for years. In March 2023, he suffered a concussion after a fall at a Washington hotel and missed weeks of work. More recently, in December 2024, he sprained his wrist in another fall while leaving a GOP luncheon.

McConnell has long spoken openly about his mobility struggles. Having contracted polio as a child, he has faced lifelong difficulties with walking and climbing stairs. First elected to the Senate in 1984, he led the Republican caucus from 2007 until stepping aside last year. The hospitalisation adds to ongoing scrutiny of McConnell’s health. His office has offered limited details, stating only that he is under good medical care. His Senate term is set to conclude in January after more than four decades in office.