Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is calling on Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to publicly address his health and demonstrate he is capable of serving in the Senate or resign his seat, citing growing concerns over the Republican lawmaker's prolonged absence from public view.

In a letter sent Monday to the longtime Republican senator and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Beshear, a Democrat, said McConnell should directly address Kentuckians about his condition after more than six weeks away from public appearances, reports The Hill on Tuesday.

"As Governor of the state you serve, I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign," Beshear wrote.

McConnell, 84, has not been seen publicly since he was hospitalized June 14 for what his office described as an unspecified medical condition.

His staff has released written statements and two photographs of the senator with his wife, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, but no public remarks from McConnell.

McConnell is not seeking reelection and is scheduled to leave office when his term ends in January 2027.

The senator has experienced several falls and health-related episodes in recent years.

Earlier this month, Thune said he had a "lengthy and substantive" phone conversation with McConnell that covered several issues, including national security.

Beshear said that level of disclosure has failed to answer questions about the senator's ability to carry out his duties.

"I understand anyone's desire for privacy, but when you run for office and serve as one of a state's two U.S. senators, you willingly abdicate much of your personal privacy," Beshear wrote. "That's the deal, and we all know it when we run."

The Democrat governor said he also sent the letter to Thune, urging the Senate leader to investigate McConnell's capacity to serve if the senator declines to publicly address his condition.

"Per our research, a vacancy in the Senate occurs when a senator dies, resigns, or is expelled by a vote of the Senate itself," Beshear wrote. "If you are unwilling to voluntarily show that you still have the capacity to serve, I will insist Leader Thune fully investigate your condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted."

According to Kentucky law, a Senate vacancy can occur through resignation, death, or expulsion and is filled through a special election.

Beshear said his latest letter is the second he has sent seeking updates on McConnell's health.

On Monday, McConnell's office released a statement from the Office of the Attending Physician, which said the senator continues recovering from a fall at his home in June.

The physician said McConnell has undergone "strenuous" physical therapy and rehabilitation and that his childhood battle with polio remains "a significant factor in his mobility."

McConnell also issued a written statement saying he remains committed to returning to work.

"I'm still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky," his statement read.

McConnell has announced he will retire when his current Senate term ends in January 2027.

Beshear's demand comes against the backdrop of changes to Kentucky law governing Senate vacancies, reports CNN.

In recent years, the Republican-controlled legislature has steadily reduced the governor's role in filling vacant Senate seats. A 2021 law required the governor to appoint a replacement from a list submitted by the departing senator's political party.

Lawmakers went further in 2024, eliminating the governor's appointment authority and requiring vacancies to be filled through a special election.

The 2024 law could face legal challenges because the Kentucky Constitution gives the governor broad authority to fill vacancies in statewide offices, while the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allows state legislatures to authorize governors to make temporary Senate appointments.

University of Kentucky law professor Joshua Douglas has said those provisions create a potential legal conflict that could ultimately be resolved by the courts.

Under the current law, the governor is directed to call a special election, but no specific timetable is outlined, raising the possibility that a Senate seat could remain vacant for an extended period if one were to open.