Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze for about 30 seconds while speaking to reporters after a speech in Covington, Kentucky, on Wednesday.
The incident is similar to one McConnell had in the US Capitol late last month. He is likely to raise additional questions about the 81-year-old’s fitness to lead the Senate Republican caucus.
Wednesday’s incident came after a reporter asked the Republican leader if he plans to run for re-election in 2026.
Mitch McConnell had to ask him to repeat the question several times. Then he laughed for a moment and then paused closed his mouth and looked straight ahead.
Someone then asked him, “Did you hear that question senator, running for re-election in 2026?” McConnell did not respond. “I apologize to all of you, we need a minute,” the aide told reporters.
A member of the senator’s detail spoke to him quietly for a moment, and McConnell was able to whisper a reply.
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McConnell turned back to reporters, said, “Okay,” and his aide asked if anyone had any other questions, and if the reporters “can talk.”
A spokesman for McConnell told media that the Kentucky Republican “felt momentarily light-headed and stilted during his press conference today.”
A McConnell aide added: “While he is feeling well, as a precautionary measure, the leader will consult a physician before his next event.”
In late July, Mitch McConnell freeze for 30 seconds during a news conference on Capitol Hill. At the time, his office said the Kentucky Republican was “light-headed” and the Republican later said he was dehydrated. Speaking to reporters after the incident, McConnell insisted he was “fine.