Sen. Ruben Gallego, Democrat from Arizona missed votes more often than any of his colleagues in the U.S. Senate during the 119th Congress, according to voting data reviewed for this analysis. The Arizona Democrat's absence rate stands at 12.6 percent, or missing one in eight votes, placing him at the top of a list that also includes Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
Senators are elected to cast votes on behalf of the states they represent, and floor participation is one of the most basic functions of the job. When a member is absent, that voice goes unrecorded on legislation, nominations and other matters before the chamber. The three senators with the highest absence rates this Congress illustrate different reasons lawmakers can find themselves away from the Capitol, from new parenthood to a public health scare.
Gallego's voting percentage has drawn attention in part because of the timing of his absences. Many of the votes he missed came during the summer of 2025, a period Gallego has tied directly to the birth of his son. In a press release from his office announcing the birth, Gallego addressed his responsibilities to both Arizona voters and his growing family. "The job of dad is also an immense responsibility and one I'll be focusing on that for a while," Gallego said in the release.
Gallego is followed by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) at 11.8% and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) at 11.1%. McConnell's absences have drawn increased attention after he was hospitalized June 14. He has not been seen publicly since sparking controversy and even conspiracy theories.
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