Senator Mitch McConnell's press team released a second statement and photo following the Kentucky senator's hospitalization in June, which his office stated was due to a fall and case of pneumonia. The statement claims McConnell has left the hospital but is not yet ready to assume his senatorial duties, as he is not cleared to leave the rehab facility.
The message from McConnell's office reads as follows:
“I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday.
“There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton. When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But, my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red. So I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic."
“As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”
Senator Mitch McConnell and Secretary Elaine Chao on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Office of Mitch McConnell
The Office of the Attending Physician of Senator McConnell also released an official statement:
“Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June. OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls. His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility. He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”
The second statement comes after the initial release of a photo on July 12th, which drew widespread skepticism of the politician's fitness for office. Many have called on McConnell's office for more transparency regarding his medical condition.
