Inside the marriage of Sen. Mitch McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao
This article profiles the long-standing marriage between US Senator Mitch McConnell and former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. It also notes McConnell's recent extended hospitalization and his decision not to seek reelection in 2026.
Why it matters
As a long-serving Senate leader, McConnell's health and personal life are of significant interest to the American political landscape.
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. SHAWN THEW/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and his wife, Elaine Chao, wed in 1993. Chao served as Transportation Secretary during President Donald Trump's first term. McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized for nearly 4 weeks, with few details available about his health. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized for nearly four weeks, with few details available about his health, prompting growing questions about his condition and what members of his inner circle, including his wife, Elaine Chao, have been told. McConnell and Chao met through a mutual friend and wed in a private Capitol ceremony in 1993, and became a GOP power couple . McConnell has served as a US senator for over 40 years.
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