Sen. Mitch McConnell returned home Thursday after a lengthy hospitalization followed by rehabilitation at a separate facility.
The Kentucky Republican’s announcement comes amid growing speculation about his health and ability to serve in Congress. McConnell was admitted to the hospital on June 14.
“Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. Elaine and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues, and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists, and hospital staff,” McConnell’s office said Thursday in a statement.
“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”
His office did not initially share details about his condition, but later said he was hospitalized after falling at home and then developing “a mild case of pneumonia.” He clarified in a statement released July 12 that he did not suffer a heart attack, stroke, tumors or hemorrhages.
McConnell has suffered numerous health problems in recent years, including falls, a concussion and a series of episodes in 2023 in which he appeared to freeze on camera while speaking to the media.The Office of the Attending Physician of Congress also said on July 12 that McConnell’s falls “have been attributed to his post-polio condition.”
McConnell, first elected in 1984, is the longest-serving Senate party leader in history. In 2025, on his 83rd birthday, he announced he would retire at the end of his current term.
