Speculation Mounts: Will Kentucky's Democratic Governor Replace McConnell Amid Health Concerns?

In 2021, Kentucky Republicans passed a law that mandates Senate vacancies be filled temporarily by someone from the same party as the departing senator. McConnell's recent health problems, including a freezing incident where he remained silent for 30 seconds when asked about seeking another term in 2026, have brought renewed attention to this law.

Beshear had previously argued that the law was unconstitutional when it was passed. He claimed it violated the 17th Amendment of the Constitution, which grants voters the right to directly vote for their senators. Before the 17th Amendment, senators were appointed by the states. Beshear vetoed the bill at the time, stating that it overturned a century of precedent by giving the power to select a representative to an unelected committee that only represents a fraction of Kentuckians.

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Senate Bill 228, the law in question, also outlined the process for a special election to fill a Senate vacancy. McConnell still has three years left in his term, and with the Senate currently having a slim 51 to 49 Democratic majority, a hypothetical departure by McConnell could significantly shift the balance of power.

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Democrats are facing a defensive challenge ahead of the 2024 cycle, as they will have to defend 20 seats plus three held by Democratic-aligned independents, while Republicans only need to safeguard 11 seats.

September 03, 2023

After McConnell's recent freezing incident, Capitol Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan confirmed that the 81-year-old senator was medically cleared to continue with his schedule as planned. McConnell has experienced several health scares in recent months, including a fall at a hotel in Washington in March that resulted in a concussion and broken ribs. He also fell while deplaning a canceled flight in July.

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McConnell, who has been the longest-serving Republican leader of the Senate since 2007, is currently on the Senate's August recess and is expected to reconvene in Washington on September 5. Governor Beshear's stance on potentially replacing McConnell remains uncertain, as he has chosen not to speculate on a hypothetical vacancy.