Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) on Tuesday called on Senator Mitch McConnell to “directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky” – or resign.
Beshear said McConnell must provide proof of his capacity to serve or resign.
“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 in a letter, CNN first reported.
“Per our research, a vacancy in the Senate occurs when a senator dies, resigns, or is expelled by a vote of the Senate itself,” Beshear said.
“If you are unwilling to voluntarily show that you still have the capacity to serve, I will insist Leader Thune fully investigate your condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted,” Beshear wrote.
The Governor’s letter comes after McConnell released his second ‘proof of life’ photo amid a 44-day absence from the Senate.
The latest photo is dated Sunday.
“Senator McConnell continues his recovery from a fall at home in June,” read a statement from the Capitol’s Office of Attending Physician.
“OAP physicians visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls. His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility,” the statement read.
McConnell also said he will not be able to attend this year’s Fancy Farm picnic.
NEW — McConnell’s office releases new photo of him and his wife Elaine Chao. Photo was taken yesterday, per his office
McConnell says in new statement he’s “keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders”
Office of the Attending Physician says McConnell has… pic.twitter.com/l1QVuFEoWJ
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) July 27, 2026
Earlier this month McConnell released his first proof of life photo shortly after Senator Lindsey Graham unexpectedly passed away.
Rumors began swirling last week that McConnell was ‘brain dead’ and being kept alive by machines.
According to the statement, McConnell did not suffer from a heart attack or a stroke.
The 84-year-old Kentucky Senator said he was hospitalized after he took a fall.
“My doctors have confirmed that I didn’t break any bones or suffer a concussion. I didn’t have a heart attack or a stroke. I don’t have any tumors or hemorrhages. But I was briefly unconscious and was taken to the hospital. While receiving excellent care over the past several weeks, I’ve also had to deal with a mild case of pneumonia,” McConnell said.
“Senator McConnell has experienced several falls throughout the year that have been attributed to his post-polio condition. He was admitted to the hospital four weeks ago after falling at home and sustaining minor injuries,” a statement from the Office of the Attending Physician said.
MCCONNELL releases a photo – and statement.
“To my fellow Kentuckians –
“When you elected me to a seventh term and made me our Commonwealth’s longest serving Senator, you did so trusting that I’d keep showing up to fight for you every day. And over the past several weeks,… pic.twitter.com/YTzTXDhEgu
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) July 12, 2026
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