Mitch McConnell, 83, Admitted to Hospital with Flu-Like Symptoms, According to Spokesperson

Mitch McConnell.
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Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Sen. Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized after experiencing “flu-like symptoms,” according to his spokesperson.
• The Kentucky Republican checked himself into the hospital on Monday, Feb. 2, out of an “abundance of caution.”
• The former Senate majority leader has faced ongoing health challenges since resigning as the U.S. Senate’s longest-serving party leader in 2024.

Sen. Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized after experiencing “flu-like symptoms” over the weekend.

The 83-year-old former Senate majority leader was admitted to the hospital on Monday evening, Feb. 2, following the onset of these symptoms. A statement shared by his spokesperson confirmed that he took this step out of caution.

“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 statement noted.

According to the spokesperson, the Kentucky Republican has maintained “regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.” The prognosis is said to be “positive,” and he expressed gratitude for the care he is receiving.

However, the duration of McConnell’s hospital stay remains uncertain. He was not present for Senate votes on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 3, as reported by WLKY.

Sen. Mitch McConnell on Jan. 29, 2026.

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

This latest hospitalization adds to a series of health challenges faced by McConnell. In October 2025, he tripped and fell while being questioned by an activist regarding his views on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Footage from the incident showed McConnell, walking with a noticeably stiff gait and relying on assistance for stability, lose his balance and fall to the ground.

McConnell has a documented history of public falls and freezing episodes. The October 2025 incident marked his third fall in less than a year. He stepped down from his role as the head of the Senate Republican Conference, which he held since 2007, in 2024 due to health concerns.