“All he needs to do is call into this show for two minutes, or Fox News for two minutes, or do a video for two minutes to the people he’s supposed to serve, but … he absolutely refuses to do it,” Beshear said of McConnell
Credit: Bonnie Cash/Getty; Bill Pugliano/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says he has heard “absolutely nothing” about Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health or return to public life
- The Democratic governor told Face the Nation moderator Ed O’Keefe that he has been unsuccessful in getting an update on the 84-year-old Kentucky senator two months after his hospitalization
- Following his initial hospitalization on June 14, McConnell has only shared two photos from a recovery bed and has said he does not yet have plans to return to work
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says he has heard “absolutely nothing” about Sen. Mitch McConnell, more than two months after he suffered a fall that led to a lengthy absence from public life.
During an appearance on Face the Nation on Sunday, Aug. 16, the Democratic governor told moderator Ed O’Keefe that he has been unsuccessful in getting an update on the 84-year-old Kentucky senator’s health or any plans about a potential return to work amid his recovery.
“I’ve heard absolutely nothing back from Mitch McConnell,” Beshear, 48, told O’Keefe. “And while I do hope that he is getting better — I’ve known him my entire life, I wish him no harm, I actually wish him good health — his boss are the people of Kentucky, and this is why the Senate, the Republican-controlled Senate, feels so broken.”
“They feel like they’re not accountable to anyone,” Beshear continued. “All he needs to do is call into this show for two minutes, or Fox News for two minutes, or do a video for two minutes to the people he’s supposed to serve, but you know what? He absolutely refuses to do it.”
Credit: Ryan Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service via Getty
Following his initial hospitalization on June 14, McConnell has only shared two photos from a recovery bed. Beshear previously called for McConnell to appear on video and prove he is still capable of serving in the Senate after his fall.
In an email to his constituents on July 12, McConnell said he had “mobility challenges” related to a childhood polio diagnosis that resulted in his fall, which left him unconscious.
By Aug. 6, the Republican lawmaker shared that he had been discharged after more than seven weeks in a facility. However, he doesn’t yet have plans to return to Capitol Hill.
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“Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home,” his statement read. “Elaine [Chao, his wife] 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.”
Per the advice of his doctors, McConnell said he’ll follow “an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home” while he continues to engage in “important Senate business.”
The former Senate leader stepped down from his leadership role in early 2025 after nearly two decades in the position. He later announced that he would not seek reelection to the Senate.
Credit: Mitch McConnell
In the wake of McConnell’s prolonged absence, lawmakers have called for his resignation. Beshear previously demanded McConnell prove his fitness to serve or submit his resignation in a letter sent on July 27.
However, the Kentucky governor said a widely cited Aug. 3 deadline for calling a special election to replace McConnell has “no legal impact” if the Republican’s seat becomes vacant later this year.
The date, three months before the general election, had been viewed by some as the final point at which Kentucky could call a special election and still hold it before the November general election, which will determine who serves the next full Senate term. However, Kentucky law does not set a specific deadline for calling a special election to fill a Senate vacancy.
“I know there are a lot of folks wondering about the significance of August 3 regarding a potential Senate vacancy,” Beshear wrote on X on Aug. 3. “I want everyone to know that this date has no legal impact on my options should there be a vacancy this year.”
“Worth a reminder, right now, there’s one less vote for the SAVE Act, Trump’s war with Iran, or the potential replacement of a [Supreme Court] justice,” Beshear added of McConnell’s absence from the Senate floor.
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