Mitch McConnell hospitalized for flu-like symptoms
FILE - Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is seen in the U.S. Capitol as the Senate voted on a government funding package on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - Sen. Mitch McConnell, 83, was hospitalized Monday after experiencing flu-like symptoms, his office announced.
"In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation last night," a spokesperson for McConnell said in a statement.
"His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving," the statement continued. "He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business."
McConnell stepped down as Senate GOP leader last year.
The backstory:
Last October, the 83-year-old Kentucky Republican suffered a fall on Capitol Hill.
Video captured him walking down a hallway when a woman approached him with a question about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. McConnell stumbled to the ground before being helped back up. He then waved at the person filming the video and walked away.
Nearly one year ago, McConnell fell on a set of stairs as he was exiting the Senate chamber.
The long-serving Republican announced last year that he would not seek re-election in 2026 and would retire at the end of his term.
McConnell has served in the Senate for decades, including as Senate majority leader during President Donald Trump’s first administration.
He is a survivor of childhood polio.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from FOX News and Axios. This story was reported from San Jose.