Mitch McConnell has released a message to his successor, Andy Barr, congratulating him on his win after a long absence. McConnell announced his retirement in February and said he would not run for re-election to his Kentucky Senate seat. Barr won the Kentucky Senate race, defeating Democrat Charles Booker.
Mitch McConnell congratulates Andy Barr in rare statement
Republican Mitch McConnell recently took to his X account to congratulate Republican candidate Andy Barr for winning the Kentucky Senate seat.
McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in the US, announced in February that he would not run for the position again. His message to his successor, Barr, comes after another long public absence, since his return to the Senate on September 14.
In the post, McConnell wrote, “Congratulations to U.S. Senator-elect Andy Barr! Having worked alongside Andy in Congress, I know firsthand his dedication to Kentucky and his ability to deliver for our Commonwealth. I’m proud of the way that Andy worked to earn support across the Commonwealth. The confidence Kentuckians have placed in their next Senator is well deserved.”
He also said he is “grateful” to the people of Kentucky for choosing him over the years. McConnell added that he is looking forward to working with Barr for a “seamless transition” of power. His term ends in January 2027. However, McConnell’s post has again fueled speculation about his health, as he has been away from the public for a long time.
In September, he returned to the Senate in a wheelchair after being absent from his duties for approximately three months. McConnell was hospitalized this year in June after suffering a fall at his home. After his discharge, he recovered at home. However, many people questioned whether he was alive, so his office released a proof-of-life photo on July 12 and a second one on July 27.
