Beshear demands McConnell explain his absence or resign

Gov. Andy Besheaer, D-Ky., this week demanded that Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., provide an explanation for his absence from the Senate or resign from office.

McConnell's staff this week offered an update on the senator's condition, in which they included a statement from McConnell and one from his physician, saying he was not yet cleared to return to service.

McConnell has not been seen in public or on video in weeks, though many lawmakers have claimed to have had phone conversations with him. His staff released a proof-of-life photo on Monday.

“I am addressing this letter to Senator McConnell under the assumption that he is capable of reading and responding verbally, and not incapacitated by means of consciousness or cognition. If the Senator is unable to respond for either of those or other conditions, consider this letter a demand for his Senate staff to be honest and transparent with the people of Kentucky,” Beshear wrote, according to CNN.

“As Governor of the state you serve, I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign,” he added.

Beshear further expressed dissatisfaction with the statement from McConnell's physician, lamenting that it did not detail his current condition to a satisfactory degree.

McConnell is not seeking reelection.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.