Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appeared to freeze up again during a press conference in Kentucky on Wednesday — roughly one month after a similar episode on Capitol Hill.
A video clip posted to X from NBC affiliate WLWT showed the 81-year-old McConnell struggling to respond to a question about his thoughts on running for re-election in 2026.
“That’s uh…” he began to say in response before going silent for a few moments. A woman rushed to McConnell’s side and asked if he heard the question.
BREAKING NEWS: Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We'll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV
— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
McConnell appeared to respond “yes” in a quiet voice but did not speak any further as he stood motionless.
“Alright, I’m sorry y’all, we’re going to need a minute,” she said before calling another aide. They stood beside the senator for a few moments before McConnell appeared to indicate that he was able to continue with the event.
“Okay,” McConnell said, after which the woman asked reporters in attendance if they had another question to ask the senator.
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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
The senator appeared to be able to take a couple more questions before he ended the press conference at the event in Covington.
McConnell “felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today,” a spokesperson for the minority leader told Punchbowl News.
“While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event,” an aide added.
The tense moment took place roughly four weeks after McConnell momentarily froze while speaking to the press on Capitol Hill. After being escorted away from the podium, McConnell returned a short time later and said he was “fine.”
While it was already known that McConnell sustained a concussion after a fall earlier this year, reports came out after the top Republican’s news conference freeze in late July with sources saying he had fallen at least two other times in the preceding months.
McConnell is part of a cadre of older politicians at or over the age of 80 who have drawn health concerns and pressure to retire.
Others include 90-year-old Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who has been treated for shingles this year and gone through instances in which she has appeared to be forgetful or befuddled, and 80-year-old President Joe Biden, whom a majority of Americans think is too old for another term — as shown by a recent survey.