Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was conspicuously absent from Monday’s 2024 election certification proceedings. A reporter for The Hill noted his absence, stating, “One person I didn’t spot in the House chamber for the election certification: Sen. Mitch McConnell.” McConnell has not yet issued a statement addressing his absence, leaving questions about his whereabouts during the critical event.
Earlier last month, McConnell suffered a fall after a lunch meeting with Republican senators, according to a report by Punchbowl News’s John Bresnahan. McConnell required medical attention and was seen leaving the area in a wheelchair, with reports indicating he sustained a cut to his face.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the incoming Republican Whip and a physician, assured reporters that McConnell is “okay.” However, given McConnell’s recent history of health issues, concerns remain.
This latest incident follows several health scares for the 81-year-old senator. In March 2023, McConnell was hospitalized after a fall at a Washington-area hotel, where he suffered a concussion and required extended treatment. Months later, he reportedly fell at an airport, though this was kept from the press. Subsequently, he began using a wheelchair in crowded situations.
The most notable moment came during a July 2023 press conference, when McConnell appeared to freeze mid-sentence and was escorted away by his staff. The incident raised widespread questions about his health and ability to continue in his leadership role.
The 81-year-old Republican leader was in the midst of a press interaction when a journalist inquired about his intention to run for reelection in 2026, according to a report from The Hill.
After requesting the reporter to repeat the question twice, McConnell began to respond but stopped mid-sentence, staying silent for an estimated 30 seconds.
This moment was captured in a video clip shared by MSNBC. As he paused, an aide approached the senator, asking, “did you hear the question, senator, running for reelection in 2026?”