Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized after fall, spokesman says

WASHINGTON —  Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell tripped and fell Wednesday at a Washington hotel and was hospitalized, a spokesman for the senator said.

McConnell, 81, was attending a private dinner at the hotel when he tripped. He was admitted to a hospital for treatment, spokesman Doug Andres said.

In 2019, the GOP leader, a survivor of childhood polio, tripped and fell at his home in Kentucky, suffering a shoulder fracture, for which he underwent surgery. The Senate had just started a summer recess and he worked from home for some weeks as he recovered.

The Senate, where the average age is 65, has been without several members recently due to illness.

The office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), 89, said she was hospitalized last week to be treated for shingles.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), 53, who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year, was expected to remain out for some weeks as he received care for clinical depression.

The Democratic absences have proven a challenge for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), who is already dealing with a very narrow 51-49 majority.

The Republicans, as the minority party, have had an easier time with intermittent absences. It is unclear if McConnell will be out Thursday and whether that would have an effect on scheduled votes. South Dakota Sen. John Thune is the Senate’s No. 2 Republican.