FILE – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks to the chamber as Congress returns for the lame-duck session at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
(NewsNation) — Senator Mitch McConnell checked himself into the hospital on Monday night.
NewsNation is told the Republican senator from Kentucky did so “out of an abundance of caution” due to “flu-like symptoms.”
A spokesperson for McConnell told NewsNation his “prognosis is positive” and the 83-year-old “looks forward to returning to Senate business.”
“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation last night,” the spokesperson said.
“His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”
McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985 and was the Republican leader from 2006 to 2024. He had two episodes in recent years where he appeared to freeze while responding to a question.
In 2025, McConnell announced he would not seek an eighth term when his seat is up again in 2026.
