Mitch McConnell's Colleagues Say He's Alive, Talking On The Phone

[pat_k]

15. I suspect there is some advantage to him "dying" after the cut off for ...

...the special election to coincide with the mid-terms.

My prediction: Within days after the cutoff it will be announced that he died of "complications" (I.e., they pulled the plug).

Gemini summary (apply whatever level of skepticism you apply to all AI)

If a vacancy occurs during the 2026 election cycle, the process operates as follows:

Special Election Requirement: Rather than choosing a successor himself, Gov. Beshear must call a special election.

November 3 General Election: If an early vacancy occurs prior to the filing deadline or late-summer cutoff, the race to finish out McConnell's current term (which expires in January 2027) will simply coincide with the regularly scheduled November 3 general election.

The Legal Uncertainty: While the law explicitly mandates a special election, some legal observers and Democrats speculate Gov. Beshear could challenge the constitutionality of this measure in court to attempt an appointment.