Mitch McConnell, the Senate’s top Republican figure, experienced a momentary lapse in responding to a reporter’s query during an event in Kentucky on Wednesday. This incident occurred several weeks after a similar occurrence in Washington.
Video footage captured by a local news outlet shows the 81-year-old McConnell being posed with the question of his potential reelection bid in 2026. In response, the senator requested the reporter to reiterate the question but then fell silent, gazing ahead for approximately 10 seconds.
An assistant positioned at the forefront of the room alongside McConnell proceeded to inquire if he had comprehended the question and proceeded to restate it. However, as McConnell remained unresponsive, the aide then informed those present that a brief pause was necessary. During this period, McConnell maintained his contemplative silence for approximately 30 seconds.
The recent episode in Covington, Kentucky, on Wednesday further contributes to the ongoing inquiries concerning McConnell’s well-being and the uncertainty surrounding his future in Congress and as the leader of the GOP.
Here's more of what we saw at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Government Forum. Hoping Sen. McConnell is able to take some time to rest @WLWT pic.twitter.com/wU91yTIDZk
— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
McConnell, who has held his Senate seat since 1984 and assumed the role of GOP leader in 2007, exhibited a response reminiscent of a previous incident in July. Back then, during a press conference at the Capitol, he experienced a momentary freeze lasting around 20 seconds. On that occasion, he sought the counsel of his aides and subsequently returned to address additional questions.
Following the Kentucky event, McConnell did eventually respond to two additional inquiries, although he notably omitted addressing the question regarding a potential 2026 campaign. His speech, however, appeared to be delivered with some difficulty. Subsequently, the aide concluded the news conference, and McConnell exited the room at a measured pace.
McConnell’s office provided an explanation afterward, stating that he had experienced a momentary sensation of lightheadedness and would be consulting a physician before his next engagement. This situation paralleled the incident from July, during which McConnell’s aides had similarly attributed his condition to lightheadedness, and McConnell himself reassured reporters of his well-being several hours later. Notably, McConnell’s office has refrained from disclosing further details regarding the nature or cause of these occurrences.
It is worth noting that the recent episode occurred after McConnell had already delivered a 20-minute speech. During this segment of the event, he seemed more at ease, discussing the upcoming Senate session and even humorously likening his role to that of a groundskeeper at a cemetery, where everyone is under your supervision, but nobody is actively engaged.
In March, McConnell experienced a concussion and a fractured rib when he fell and struck his head following a dinner event at a hotel. This incident kept him away from the Senate for nearly six weeks. Upon his return, there has been observable changes in his gait, as he appears to walk more slowly, and his speech has frequently exhibited hesitation.
It’s important to note that McConnell had polio during his early childhood, which has led to acknowledged challenges with climbing stairs in his adult life. Furthermore, in addition to the March fall, he had another accident four years ago at his residence in Kentucky, resulting in a shoulder fracture that necessitated surgical intervention.