Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has demanded that Senator Mitch McConnell provide a health update to "increasingly concerned" Kentuckians and after his family is no where to be seen
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has demanded that McConnell provide a health update after being absent (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Senator Mitch McConnell's family has all but seemingly deserted him as rumors about his health continue to spiral after the Kentucky official was admitted to the hospital almost a month ago.
Now, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear is demanding that McConnell provide an update on his health after claiming that Kentuckians are growing "increasingly concerned" about the 84-year-old's ability to hold office.
"Dear Senator McConnell, Over the last several weeks, Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the current state of your health and well-being, and your ability to hold office in the United States Senate," Beshear wrote. "As Governor, I request that you fully update Kentuckians regarding the current status of your health."
- Mitch McConnell sparks concern in wheelchair at Capitol after terrifying fall
- Mitch McConnell's health issues detailed after using wheelchair for falls
"As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent," the letter added. "I believe this requires clear communication about one's ability to serve."
Beshear concluded the message by wishing McConnell "a safe and speedy recovery." The Express U.S. reached out to McConnell's office for comment.
Latest US politics news and opinion Invalid email
You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Unsubscribe at any time. More info.
Beshear said that "increasingly concerned" Kentuckians are not sure McConnell is fit for the job (Image: Getty Images)
Beshear, who was elected in 2019, has been at odds with the Republican senator, who, along with others, attempted to sideline the governor from the appointment process should a vacancy occur. The state enacted a change to its succession laws in 2024, shortly after McConnell announced his retirement.
Under previous laws, the governor would make the senatorial appointment pending a special election, as most states do; however, the new law would allow only a special election. Beshear, who vetoed the proposal, was overridden by state Republicans, but has faced legal questions regarding the law.
The letter comes after the Kentucky senator's family seems to have abandoned him, with his daughter, Porter, deleting her social media account, and McConnell's wife fleeing to China. It's unclear why or when Porter, who is a progressive-leaning political activist, would delete her X account.
Porter, one of McConnell's three daughters with his first wife, Sherrill Redmon. The senator's second wife, Elaine Chao, did not immediately return from China after her husband was found unconscious on the floor of his home on June 14.
DON'T MISS:
McConnell's second wife, Elaine Chao, has not returned from China since her husband's hospitalization (Image: Getty Images)
Local outlet WLKY reported that Chao left for China on June 12. A spokesperson for McConnell stated, "Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he's receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital."
They added, "The Senator continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session."
Many Republicans have also claimed to have been in contact with McConnell since his hospitalization. Scott Jennings, a CNN commentator, said, "I spoke to my old friend Mitch McConnell this morning, the senior Senator from Kentucky."
"He's still recovering in the hospital. We talked for just shy of 20 minutes … about IRAN, UKRAINE, the unfolding situation in MAINE, my visit to the TR Presidential Library, and even a little bit of Senate history," he added. "I told him we want to see him back at work as soon as possible."
A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune also claimed he "had a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security."