What To Watch For
The Senate is set to return from recess on Monday.
What We Don’t Know
The timeline for replacing McConnell, if he resigns or is unable to continue serving. Kentucky law requires the governor to call a special election to replace a Senate vacancy, but it’s unclear how the process would work so close to the general election in November to replace McConnell, who is retiring at the end of the year. The secrecy surrounding McConnell’s state has prompted speculation Republicans are trying to keep him in office to avoid triggering a special election—in which an independent candidate could run, potentially siphoning votes from Republican Andy Barr, who is favored to win the general election. The governor is required to notify local officials 56 days before the special election must occur, and candidates must be nominated at least 49 days prior to the election. Louisville Metro Council member and former state Rep. Kevin Brachter, who sponsored the 2024 law setting the process to fill a vacancy, told local news channel WLKY if McConnell’s seat becomes vacant within 56 days of the Nov. 3 general election, after Sept. 8, then the seat would remain vacant until the winner of the general election takes office in January. Other news outlets and politicos have speculated the deadline for calling a special election would be Aug. 3, three months before the general.
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further reading
Mitch McConnell’s Health Fuels Longshot Theory He Could Be Replaced By Thomas Massie (Forbes)
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Mitch McConnell Urged To Share Health Update By Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (Forbes)
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