Senator Mitch McConnell Hospitalized with Flu-Like Symptoms

Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, was admitted to the hospital on Monday night after experiencing symptoms resembling the flu, as confirmed by his office on Tuesday.

“In a proactive measure, Senator McConnell decided to seek medical evaluation at a local hospital after feeling flu-like symptoms over the weekend,” stated his spokesperson, David Popp. Popp added that McConnell’s outlook for recovery seems favorable.

“He is thankful for the outstanding care being provided. He remains in constant communication with his staff and is eager to resume his duties in the Senate,” mentioned Popp.

At the age of 83, McConnell had previously announced his intention to retire at the end of his current term and will not be running for re-election in 2026. His service as the Senate Republican leader marked him as the longest-serving Senate leader in the history of the United States, and he is among the longest-tenured senators still in office.

Recently, concerns regarding McConnell’s health have surfaced. These include moments where he appeared to freeze during public appearances and a concussion he sustained in December 2023. Earlier in 2019, he suffered a shoulder fracture due to a fall at his home in Kentucky.

In November 2024, McConnell stepped down from his role as leader of the Senate Republicans. Since then, he has openly criticized the Trump administration more than during Trump’s initial presidency. Notably, McConnell opposed three significant nominations by Trump; he uniquely opposed Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as director of national intelligence and joined two others in voting against the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. McConnell also voiced his disapproval of the tariffs central to Trump’s economic policies.

An NBC News analysis highlighted that over 24 members of Congress are aged 80 or older, with 13 planning to seek re-election. Recently, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the nonvoting representative for the District of Columbia since 1991, has filed paperwork indicating her decision not to run again. She is 88 and has faced increasing pressure to retire.

The topic of lawmakers’ ages has been gaining attention, especially as Democrats urged President Joe Biden to refrain from the 2024 presidential race, citing worries about his age and health.

According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, around 82% of Republicans and 76% of Democrats are in favor of imposing an age limit on federal elected officials.

From 2020 to 2025, a total of 14 members of Congress have passed away, including three deaths in both 2024 and 2025. This is compared to the 12 congressional deaths recorded between 2010 and 2019.

Frank Thorp V is recognized as a producer and off-air reporter specialising in congressional coverage for NBC News, and he oversees their Senate reporting. Kyla Guilfoil serves as a breaking news reporter focused on political issues for NBC News Digital.