Kentucky governor gives ultimatum to McConnell

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear gave ailing Sen. Mitch McConnell an ultimatum Monday, asking him to prove he has the capacity to continue to serve as a senator, or resign. McConnell has not been seen in public since being hospitalized in June.
Published: July 28, 2026
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear gave ailing Sen. Mitch McConnell an ultimatum Monday, asking him to prove he has the capacity to continue to serve as a senator, or resign. McConnell has not been seen in public since being hospitalized in June.

Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear wrote in a Monday letter to Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and his staff that the senator should “provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.” 

The letter from the governor came after McConnell’s office shared a Monday statement from the senator and another photo of him with his wife, former Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. McConnell, 84, was hospitalized in June, but has since moved to a rehabilitation center for treatment. He has not been voting in the U.S. Senate throughout this time. 

Speculation about the senator’s health and vitality has run rampant online. 

McKenna Horsley – Kentucky Lantern

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