The Chao family fortune grew, while Elaine Chao and Mitch McConnell rose to the highest levels of American power. This is the hidden story of the Chao–McConnell empire, and the bridge one family built between Beijing and Washington. [257][258][259] McConnell's statement also said that although he had not broken any bones or experienced cardiac arrest, he had briefly become unconscious. [267] But a Kentucky law passed in 2024 tries to remove this power, saying that the governor must call a special election rather than make an interim appointment. [267][268][266]The 2024 law also limits the period in which a special election may be held.