Gov. Andy Beshear pressures John Thune to address Mitch McConnell's absence

Hannah Pinski, Lexington Herald-Leader on Jul 29, 2026

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is pressuring U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune to address Sen. Mitch McConnell’s ongoing absence and encouraging others to join him in the effort.

During a live call-in broadcast that aired on SiriusXM Progress Wednesday afternoon, Beshear said it’s up to Thune to make sure the GOP members of the Senate have the ability to do their jobs and serve out their terms.

“I’ve also called on John Thune, majority leader of the Senate, who is in D.C., ... to go to see how Mitch McConnell is doing, and if Mitch won’t report on it, John Thune has a duty to do that,” Beshear said.

McConnell was hospitalized June 14 after falling at home and subsequently developing pneumonia; he has since moved to a rehabilitation facility where he’s receiving physical therapy, according to statements released by his office.

As the 84-year-old’s absence has dragged on — McConnell has missed more than three dozen Senate votes as he recovers — Beshear has faced online criticism demanding he “do something” about it. But without an official vacancy, Beshear said there’s not much he can do, which is why he says the pressure needs to be placed elsewhere.

“John Thune, as head of the Senate, has a direct obligation, if not the vice president, as head of the Senate, to ensure that every member has capacity, and those are the people that aren’t doing their job that have a duty to right now,” the Democratic governor said.

“I would suggest that everybody online pile on there because that is the person who is ignoring his job.”

When McConnell was first hospitalized, the public received few details surrounding his health condition for weeks.

After rampant speculation, McConnell released his first comprehensive statement July 12, along with a photo of him and his wife, Elaine Chao. McConnell at the time said he had been hospitalized due to a fall and also suffered from a case of pneumonia.

On Monday, McConnell released another photo and statement, saying he is not medically cleared yet to return to work or leave the rehabilitation center. His office has not given on timeline on when he will return to the Senate.

“Nothing can be done unless the Senate declares a vacancy, unless we have a confirmed death, resignation or expulsion,” Beshear said.

If a vacancy is declared, Kentucky law dictates that the seat would have to be filled by special election, which would need to be called by the governor.

McConnell is not seeking reelection this year.

Beshear sent a letter to McConnell’s office Monday that called for him to either release more details on his health condition or resign from office. In the letter, which was also sent to Thune, Beshear said McConnell should “directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.”

The governor also sent a July 8 letter urging McConnell to release more information about his health to help address speculation on social media.

Thune previously said he’s spoken directly to McConnell during his hospitalization. A spokesperson for the South Dakota senator said he and McConnell “had a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security,” July 6.

Thune’s office did not immediately respond to a Herald-Leader request for comment on Beshear’s remarks.

Beshear added he will continue demanding answers, and the Senate can’t have a member who is away for a month without explaining it.

“I’m going to continue to apply pressure to everyone who has the authority to do that,” Beshear said. “I’m not throwing my hands up and saying there’s nothing that I can do. I am trying to explain what my authority is and is not.”

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