Senator Mitch McConnell, 83, went to the hospital recently due to “flu-like symptoms,” but his team says he’s doing well. His spokesman, David Popp, mentioned that McConnell is in good spirits and is keeping in touch with his staff while he recovers.
McConnell’s health has been a topic of discussion for years. He’s experienced some notable health issues, including freezing up during public appearances and suffering a concussion last December. In 2019, he fractured his shoulder from a fall at home. These incidents have heightening concerns about the health of older lawmakers.
He announced last year that he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2026 and stepped down as Senate Republican leader in November 2024. Despite his past loyalty to President Trump, McConnell has recently spoken out against several of Trump’s policies and nominees. For instance, he was the only Republican to oppose Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for director of national intelligence and voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Age among lawmakers is increasingly a concern. Currently, two dozen members of Congress are 80 or older, and many are running for re-election. Notably, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton announced last week she would not seek another term. At 88, she had faced calls to retire.
Pew Research recently found that a majority of Americans support age limits for federal officials: 82% of Republicans and 76% of Democrats agree. The rising age of elected officials has sparked discussions about how best to address this issue, especially as health concerns about leaders grow.
Interestingly, between 2020 and 2025, fourteen sitting members of Congress passed away. This contrasts with twelve deaths from 2010 to 2019, showing that health risks for older lawmakers are a significant concern.
As we navigate these discussions, it’s clear that while experience is valuable, the health and vitality of leaders play a crucial role in their ability to serve effectively.
For more insights into public opinion on age limits, check out the Pew Research Center’s survey here.
