Feb 5, 2025 - Politics & Policy

McConnell using wheelchair after fall at Capitol

Sen. Mitch McConnell and his wife, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, arrive at President Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Photo: Shawn Thew/Pool/Getty Images

Former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is "fine" and using a wheelchair to navigate the halls of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as a "precautionary measure" following his latest fall.

The big picture: McConnell has had multiple health scares in the past few years, including freezing in front of reporters and a December fall that required attention from medical personnel at the Capitol.

McConnell fell exiting the Senate chamber following a vote midday Wednesday and was able to return to his feet with the help of security and nearby senators, according to multiple reports on X.

What they're saying: "Senator McConnell is fine," a McConnell spokesperson said, adding that "The lingering effects of polio in his left leg will not disrupt his regular schedule of work."

A person familiar with the matter said McConnell subsequently was "using a wheelchair purely as a precautionary measure."
In 1944, when he was 2 years old, McConnell's upper left leg was temporarily paralyzed due to a polio attack.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that McConnell is no longer in leadership.

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McConnell using wheelchair after fall at Capitol

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