Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter to Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., demanding that he either address his constituents and prove he is capable of serving in the U.S. Senate or step down.
What did Gov. Beshear say in his letter to Mitch McConnell?
“Important events are happening in our country right now during your absence,” Beshear, a Democrat, wrote in a letter to the Republican senator, according to a copy obtained by ABC News.
Blavity reported that McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized since June 14. The incident began after paramedics were called to his Washington, D.C., home after the longtime lawmaker fell and was found unconscious. Earlier reports indicated he had experienced cardiac arrest, but that has since been proven false.
During his absence, members of both parties and other observers have called on McConnell and his staff to be transparent about his condition, as he has not been seen in public. His office later released two photos of him and a statement confirming the fall, but Beshear has demanded that McConnell and his staff take further action.
“As Governor of the state you serve, I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign,” Beshear wrote, per NBC News.
“It has now been 43 days since news of your hospitalization,” Beshear continued. “During that time you have cast zero votes, engaged in no official activities, and aside from two photos and corresponding statements, have made no effort to communicate with your Kentucky constituents or the nation. Even the attending physician’s written statement does not discuss your actual condition, including whether you can speak, reason, or carry out your duties as a senator.”
Can Beshear replace McConnell’s Senate seat?
Beshear also said he would call on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to “investigate” McConnell’s condition and “begin the process if warranted” of replacing him in the Senate. He also wrote a letter to Thune outlining his previous demand, per NBC News.
On Tuesday, Thune addressed Beshear’s letter and said it is not a situation he should be involved in.
“I’ve seen that letter, but in any event, I think that’s an issue really that’s between Sen. McConnell and the people of Kentucky,” Thune told NBC News. “I mean, if the governor wants to, I’m not sure what his prerogatives are in that case. But that’s where the issue should be resolved.”
While most state governors have the power to fill vacant Senate seats, Kentucky is the only state where a special election is held instead.
“I hope everything’s OK, that he’s competent to serve, but asking someone to prove that to their constituents isn’t a big or a heavy lift,” Beshear told NBC News on Tuesday. “It’s not being invasive. You’re one of two U.S. senators that are supposed to represent Kentucky in Washington. Just talk to the people.”
McConnell has experienced other health issues in recent years. In 2023, he was hospitalized with a concussion after a fall and was treated for flu-like symptoms earlier this year, per Blavity.