Kentucky governor tells Mitch McConnell to prove he can serve or ‘resign’ from Senate - NBC News

What the report says

NBC News reported that Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has urged Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to publicly demonstrate that he remains able to serve in the U.S. Senate or step down. In a letter dated after weeks of public absence, Beshear asked McConnell to address Kentuckians directly and provide evidence of his capacity to carry out his duties. The Democratic governor also wrote to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., asking him to review the matter if McConnell does not respond.

According to NBC News, McConnell was hospitalized in Washington on June 14 after his office said he fell, and he has not appeared publicly since. Beshear’s letter said 43 days had passed since the hospitalization, during which McConnell had not cast votes or engaged in official activities, while his office had released only two photos and written updates. McConnell’s office declined NBC News’ request for comment on Beshear’s letter.

Thune told NBC News he viewed the issue as one between McConnell and Kentucky voters, and questioned what role Beshear would have. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., defended McConnell and characterized Beshear’s demand as political. Beshear told reporters that speculation about McConnell’s condition could be avoided if the senator spoke directly to the public.

The situation matters because the Senate has no specific transparency rules governing prolonged health-related absences by members. NBC News noted that Kentucky law requires a special election, rather than a gubernatorial appointment, if a Senate seat becomes vacant. McConnell has already said he will retire when his term ends in 2026.