McConnell’s health becomes bigger problem for GOP

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s (Ky.) health is becoming a bigger problem for his Senate Republican conference, though GOP colleagues say his job as leader is safe for now. 

McConnell’s struggles to answer questions at press conferences in Kentucky and Washington in recent weeks has stirred speculation about whether he is healthy enough to continue serving as leader through the election or in the next Congress, when Senate Republicans may be back in the majority. 

The GOP leadership team rallied around him Tuesday and pledged to support him through the end of 2024, but there are growing questions about whether McConnell would remain leader if Republicans take back the majority in the next election. 

McConnell’s fellow GOP home-state senator, Rand Paul, even told reporters he wasn’t sure doctors had provided a “valid diagnosis” of his condition.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.), the No. 2-ranking member of the Senate GOP leadership, said McConnell has his full support to continue serving as leader — something echoed by other GOP senators — but declined to speculate about McConnell’s future beyond the next election.