Story perspectives

McConnell Receives CPR, Hospitalized, Misses Vote

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Audio from the June 14 call shows CPR on Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) after he was found unconscious at his Washington, D.C., home.
McConnell, 84, was hospitalized for a suspected heart attack, is in stable condition, and will miss this week’s Senate vote.
Republicans are led by Senator John Thune (R-SD.) as the 2026 Kentucky race between Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) and former Rep. Charles Booker (D-Ky.) decides McConnell’s successor.

History

Historical Context

Senator Ted Kennedy’s May 2008 malignant-glioma diagnosis forced the 77-year-old Democrat to miss votes, dropping the Democratic caucus to 58 seats and erasing the 60-vote supermajority needed for President Barack Obama’s agenda. On June 14 2026, Republican leader Mitch McConnell required CPR, sidelining him from a vote overseen by Majority Leader John Thune. Both episodes show how senior senators’ health crises can instantly reshape Senate party balances.

1 of 2

Story summary

Audio from the June 14 call shows CPR on Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) after he was found unconscious at his Washington, D.C., home.
McConnell, 84, was hospitalized for a suspected heart attack, is in stable condition, and will miss this week’s Senate vote.
Republicans are led by Senator John Thune (R-SD.) as the 2026 Kentucky race between Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) and former Rep. Charles Booker (D-Ky.) decides McConnell’s successor.

1 / 2