Fox News commentator Joe Concha has called for Senator Mitch McConnell to either return to his Senate duties or resign, citing the Kentucky Republican's extended absence due to illness. McConnell, 84, has been away from public life for over 80 days following a hospitalization in early August after a fall.
Concha expressed his views on The Big Weekend Show, stating, "If McConnell does not come back in September, he needs to step down! Enough of this already." He emphasized the need for McConnell to directly address the public, saying, "He needs to get in front of a microphone and prove he can do this job." Concha indicated that the updates and photos released have been insufficient.
James Comer, a Republican representative from Kentucky, stated that the expectation is for McConnell to return to the Senate when it reconvenes on September 14. Comer told the Daily Mail that while he has not spoken directly with McConnell, he has communicated with the Senator's staff, who aim for McConnell's return. "I have not talked to Leader McConnell. I've talked to staff, many of whom are from my district originally, and they have all said it's their goal for Senator McConnell to be here when they, when the Senate comes in next week," Comer said.
McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 and has not been seen publicly since, apart from a photograph released in late July showing him at home with his wife, Elaine Chao. A comment from his doctor attached to that photograph stated, "Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation."
McConnell, who is not seeking re-election in the upcoming midterms, has experienced previous health incidents. In February, he was reliant on a wheelchair and assistance to navigate the Capitol following a fall. In December 2024, another fall resulted in a sprained wrist and facial cuts. Prior to these incidents, in July 2023, McConnell experienced a public pause mid-sentence at a press conference, and later stood motionless for about 30 seconds when asked about seeking re-election.
McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985 and previously held the position of Senate Majority Leader for 18 years before stepping down from leadership in 2024.
Attempts by the Daily Mail to reach Senator McConnell's office and other members of the Kentucky delegation for comment were unsuccessful.
