Mitch McConnell health questions draw resign demand from Beshear
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says Sen. Mitch McConnell should prove he can serve or step aside after weeks out of public view.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has turned Mitch McConnell health questions into a direct demand: speak to Kentuckians and show he can still do the job, or resign from the Senate.
Beshear, a Democrat, sent the Republican senator a letter saying McConnell should address the public “directly and verbally” and provide proof that he remains able to serve. If McConnell does not, Beshear said he would ask Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to examine the senator’s condition and start a replacement process if warranted.
Beshear also sent Thune a separate letter making the same request, according to NBC News.
McConnell’s office declined to comment to NBC News on Beshear’s letter. Thune told NBC News on Tuesday that he viewed the matter as one for McConnell and Kentucky voters, not something for him to settle.
What is happening with Mitch McConnell's health?
McConnell was hospitalized in Washington on June 14 and has not appeared publicly since, according to NBC News. His office has released two photos and written updates saying he had fallen, while questions and online conspiracy theories about his condition have continued.
In his letter, Beshear wrote that 43 days had passed since McConnell’s hospitalization became public. During that period, Beshear said, McConnell had not voted, had not carried out official activities and had communicated with constituents only through the two photos and related statements.
Beshear also said the statement from the attending physician did not describe McConnell’s actual condition or address whether he could speak, reason or perform Senate duties.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Beshear said speculation could end if McConnell addressed the public. He said he hoped McConnell was well and capable of serving, but argued that asking a U.S. senator to demonstrate that to constituents was not an invasive request.
“Just talk to the people,” Beshear said, according to NBC News.
What did John Thune say?
Thune told NBC News he had seen Beshear’s letter but did not see the issue as his to resolve. He said the question belonged between McConnell and the people of Kentucky.
Thune also said he was unsure what powers Beshear would have in the situation.
McConnell is one of the most powerful Republicans in recent Senate history and previously led his party in the chamber. Beshear’s move comes as McConnell has faced pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to provide more information about his absence, NBC News reported.
The Senate has had other members miss time because of health issues, and the chamber does not have rules requiring health transparency from senators in that position, according to NBC News.
What happens if Kentucky's Senate seat becomes vacant?
Kentucky does not handle Senate vacancies the way most states do. Under state law, a special election is required rather than allowing the governor to appoint a replacement.
McConnell has already said he plans to retire when his current term ends at the close of 2026. Rep. Andy Barr won the Republican primary earlier this year to run for the seat and is favored in heavily Republican Kentucky, according to NBC News.
Beshear has been mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential candidate. His letter adds fresh pressure to a question that has followed McConnell for weeks: when, and whether, Kentuckians will hear from him directly.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.