Early Life and Education of Mitch McConnell: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Mitch McConnell, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Addison Mitchell McConnell III is a prominent American politician and attorney currently serving as the senior United States senator from Kentucky, a position he has held since 1985. He is the longest-serving senator in Kentucky's history. McConnell's influence extends to his leadership within the Senate Republican Conference from 2007 to 2025, including terms as both minority and majority leader. Notably, he holds the record as the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, having served as majority leader from 2015 to 2021.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 20, 1942: Mitch McConnell Born

On February 20, 1942, Addison Mitchell McConnell III was born. He is an American politician and attorney who is the senior United States senator from Kentucky.

Others born on this day/year

1944: McConnell Paralyzed by Polio

In 1944, at the age of two, Mitch McConnell's upper left leg was paralyzed by a polio attack.

1950: McConnell Family Moves to Augusta, Georgia

In 1950, when he was eight, Mitch McConnell moved with his family from Athens to Augusta, Georgia, where his father was stationed at Fort Gordon.

1956: McConnell Family Moves to Louisville

In 1956, Mitch McConnell's family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he attended duPont Manual High School.

1963: McConnell Attends March on Washington

In 1963, Mitch McConnell attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave the "I Have a Dream" speech.

1964: McConnell Graduates from University of Louisville

In 1964, Mitch McConnell graduated Omicron Delta Kappa from the University of Louisville with a B.A. in political science with honors.

1964: McConnell Interns with Senator John Sherman Cooper

In 1964, at the age of 22, Mitch McConnell attended civil rights rallies and interned with Senator John Sherman Cooper.

March 1967: McConnell Enlists in U.S. Army Reserve

In March 1967, Mitch McConnell enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve as a private at Louisville, shortly before the expiration of his educational draft deferment upon graduation from law school.

July 9, 1967: McConnell Begins Training at Fort Knox

On July 9, 1967, Mitch McConnell's first day of training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, was two days after taking the bar exam.

August 15, 1967: McConnell Honorably Discharged

On August 15, 1967, Mitch McConnell was honorably discharged after being diagnosed with optic neuritis and deemed medically unfit for military service.

1967: McConnell Graduates from Law School

In 1967, Mitch McConnell graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was president of the Student Bar Association.

1968: McConnell marries Sherrill Redmon

In 1968, McConnell married Sherrill Redmon. They divorced in 1980.

1980: McConnell divorces Sherrill Redmon

In 1980, McConnell divorced his first wife, Sherrill Redmon. They were married in 1968 and had three daughters.

1993: McConnell marries Elaine Chao

In 1993, McConnell married Elaine Chao, who later became Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump.

February 2003: McConnell undergoes triple heart bypass surgery

In February 2003, McConnell underwent a triple heart bypass surgery at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, due to blocked arteries.

March 1, 2013: McConnell inducted into Sons of the American Revolution

On March 1, 2013, McConnell was inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution.

August 2019: McConnell fractures shoulder in a fall

In August 2019, McConnell fractured his shoulder in a fall at his Louisville home.

March 2023: McConnell hospitalized after a fall

In March 2023, McConnell was hospitalized for five days after a fall where he was treated for a concussion and a minor rib fracture.

July 2023: McConnell falls after exiting plane

In July 2023, McConnell fell while disembarking from a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

July 26, 2023: McConnell freezes during press conference

On July 26, 2023, McConnell froze, unspeaking, for around 20 seconds during a press conference, prompting media reports. He later returned and stated he was "fine".

August 30, 2023: McConnell freezes again during press conference

On August 30, 2023, McConnell froze again during a press conference in Covington, Kentucky, and was led away by staff. His physician released a letter stating he was "medically clear".