Beshear urges McConnell to show he can serve or resign

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has asked Sen. Mitch McConnell to publicly show that he is still able to carry out his duties or step down from office. The request came after McConnell’s office said the Kentucky Republican was still not medically cleared to leave rehabilitation following a fall and a later bout of pneumonia. Beshear said McConnell could respond with a short video or a live call to a Kentucky radio or television station. He argued that the public deserves confirmation about the senator’s condition, noting that McConnell’s office has released only still photos since the hospitalization. The issue has political and legal implications for Kentucky and the Senate. McConnell’s absence leaves Republicans with one fewer vote in their narrow majority, while a vacancy could trigger a dispute over how the seat would be filled under Kentucky law. A 2024 state law calls for a special election, but constitutional questions remain over whether the governor could appoint a temporary replacement. McConnell’s office did not comment on Beshear’s request. His term ends in January and he is not seeking reelection.