Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is urging Sen. Mitch McConnell to either release more details on his health condition or resign from office.

In a letter sent to McConnell’s office Monday and obtained by the Herald-Leader, Beshear called for McConnell to “directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign.”

“It has now been 43 days since news of your hospitalization,” Beshear wrote. “During that time, you have cast zero votes, engaged in no official activities and aside from two photos and corresponding statements, have made no effort to communicate with your Kentucky constituents or the nation. Even the attending physician’s written statement does not discuss your actual condition, including whether you can speak, reason or carry out your duties as senator.”

Beshear, a Democrat, has faced a chorus of online criticism demanding he “do something” about the Republican senator’s ongoing absence, with some suggesting inaction could harm his 2028 prospects. But without an official vacancy, there is little Beshear can do.

Kentucky law dictates that Senate vacancies have to be filled by special election, which would need to be called by the governor.

Beshear also sent the letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office.

“Per our research, a vacancy in the Senate occurs when a senator dies, resigns, or is expelled by a vote of the Senate itself,” Beshear wrote. “If you are unwilling to voluntarily show that you still have the capacity to serve, I will insist Leader Thune fully investigate your condition, report to the American people, and begin the process if warranted.”

McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized since June 14. The public initially received few details about his health condition other than that he was receiving “excellent care,” his team said at the time.

After weeks of speculation, McConnell released his a statement July 12, along with a photo of him and his wife, Elaine Chao. McConnell at the time said he had been hospitalized due to a fall and also suffered from a case of pneumonia. He noted that he had been able to move to a rehabilitation center.

On Monday, McConnell released another photo and statement, saying he is not medically cleared yet to return to work or leave the rehabilitation center. He also announced he would not attend the Fancy Farm picnic, an annual political speaking event in West Kentucky each August.

The attending physician noted that doctors “visit with the Senator every day, discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls.”

While McConnell did say in his July 12 statement that he had “unfinished business” as a senator, his office has not provided a timeline for when he will return to the Senate. McConnell’s term ends in January and he is not seeking reelection.

Throughout McConnell’s recovery, politicians from both sides of the aisle have called for more transparency.

This is the second time Beshear has sent a letter to McConnell urging him to release more information. The governor previously sent a July 8 letter urging McConnell to release more information about his health to help address speculation on social media.

In Beshear’s letter Monday, he said the speculation and even his letter could have been avoided if there was a “minimal amount of transparency.”

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