Key facts
- Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, have a relationship timeline spanning decades.
- They met through a mutual friend, Stuart Bloch, in Washington, D.C., in the early 1990s.
- McConnell and Chao married on February 6, 1993, in a private ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
- Chao is recognized as the first Asian American woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet.
- Chao held the position of Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, have built a notable political partnership since their marriage in 1993. The couple met through a mutual acquaintance, Stuart Bloch, in Washington, D.C., in the early 1990s. Their wedding took place on February 6, 1993, in a private ceremony held in the chapel of the U.S. Capitol.
Chao has achieved significant milestones in her career, becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet. She was confirmed as Secretary of Labor in 2001 during George W. Bush's administration and later served as Secretary of Transportation during Donald Trump's first term.
McConnell, 84, is one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the Senate, representing Kentucky since 1985. He has held key leadership positions, including Senate minority leader and Senate majority leader. He is currently serving his final term and has stated he will not seek reelection in 2026.
Bloch described Chao as a "tiger wife" and "made of titanium," while noting that sparks did not immediately fly between her and McConnell upon their introduction.