Former Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized

Sen. Mitch McConnell has been using a wheelchair in the U.S. Capitol in recent months. Heather Diehl/Getty Images North America hide caption toggle caption Heather Diehl/Getty Images North America Former Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell was admitted to a hospital on Sunday. The 84-year old Kentucky senator's condition is currently unknown but he has suffered regular health challenges in recent years. McConnell spokesman David Popp said McConnell "is receiving excellent care" in an e-mailed statement but did not specify the reason for the hospitalization. McConnell regularly moves about the Capitol in a wheelchair, often with the assistance of staff. In 2023, McConnell froze and appeared unable to speak for nearly 30 seconds during his weekly press conference as leader. He also suffered a series of falls, including one that resulted in a concussion and nearly six-week absence from the Senate. McConnell has always appeared to have a somewhat unsteady gate — a childhood bout of polio left him with a partially paralyzed leg. He announced in 2024 he'd step down from leadership. And in 2025 that he would not seek another six-year term in office. After more than four decades, McConnell's time in the Senate is set to conclude at the end of this year.