By Eliza Collins and Maya Davis

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said Sunday that his lengthy Senate absence has been because of his recovery from a fall and a subsequent bout with pneumonia, breaking a weekslong silence about his hospitalization that had spurred speculation about his condition.

McConnell said he planned to return to the Senate to finish his term but wouldn't be back to vote "quite yet." He didn't provide a timeline.

The former Senate majority leader said that doctors are still investigating the cause of his fall, in which he briefly lost consciousness. He said he didn't break any bones or suffer a concussion, nor did he have a heart attack or stroke. He said he had moved from a hospital to a rehabilitation center to regain strength.

McConnell's disclosure came the same day as news of the death of his GOP colleague Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, which ratcheted up speculation about McConnell's health.

The 84-year-old senator, who has used a wheelchair to move around Capitol Hill, was hospitalized June 14. Until Sunday's statement, McConnell's office had provided little information about his condition. He isn't seeking re-election.

"You all know how folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older. Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct -- I can't help it," he said in the statement, which included a photograph of him and his wife, Elaine Chao, a former secretary of the Departments of Labor and Transportation.

The state's governor, Democrat Andy Beshear, sent a letter to McConnell's office requesting an update last week. He reiterated the request Saturday on social media.

"Let's end the crazy speculation. Just tell us what's going on," he posted on X.

The Kentucky senator, who had polio as a child, has had a series of health issues in recent years, including repeated falls, a concussion and public episodes where he froze while speaking.

Last week, some Republican allies and members of McConnell's staff issued statements saying they were in contact with the senator, with some describing lengthy conversations on matters including national security and midterm elections. But none gave details about his health.

His absence, along with the vacancy at least temporarily created by Graham's death, has put further pressure on Republicans and their tight majority. This week, the Senate could vote on the annual defense policy bill and President Trump's nominee for director of National Intelligence. The Republican governor of South Carolina could name a replacement for Graham to the Senate seat as soon as this week.

Write to Eliza Collins at eliza.collins@wsj.com and Maya Davis at maya.davis@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 12, 2026 18:38 ET (22:38 GMT)