McConnell to skip annual picnic as recovery continues

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is set to skip an annual political picnic in his home state while he recovers from a major medical episode at his Washington, D.C., home.

McConnell was hospitalized last month after a serious fall. The former Senate leader has attracted considerable scrutiny over his fitness to serve in recent years, with a number of on-air incidents contributing to his decision to step down as Senate GOP leader. He is not seeking reelection.

McConnell's office confirmed on Monday that he would not attend the Fancy Farm picnic, a major political event in the Bluegrass State.

“There’s no place I’d rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of western Kentucky, feasting on pork and mutton," he said in a statement. "When I first attended forty-two years ago, Fancy Farm was a pretty lonely place to be a Republican. But, my, how times have changed. Today, western Kentucky is a conservative Republican sea of red."

"So I hate that I’ll miss the fun this year, but I’m sending my best wishes to the St. Jerome community for a successful picnic," he added. “As always, I appreciate all of your continued well wishes, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Senate and to Kentucky soon.”

His attending physician also confirmed in a statement that "[h]e is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.”

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