Mitch McConnell’s recent hospitalization has renewed scrutiny of what would happen if Kentucky’s longest-serving senator were unable to complete his term.

The speculation follows his recent hospitalization and limited information released by his office.

While there has been no indication that McConnell plans to resign, the episode has drawn attention to a major change Kentucky lawmakers made in 2024 to the state’s Senate vacancy laws. The legislation eliminated the governor’s ability to appoint a replacement senator and instead directed vacancies to be filled through a special election process.