Sen. Mitch McConnell.Photo:Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader viÂa AP
Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader viÂa AP
“Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration,” Monahan continued.
Sen. Mitch McConnell in July.Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP
On Wednesday, McConnell suddenly stopped speaking during a press conference in Kentucky, as seen in footage WLWT producer Hannah Thomasshared on Twitter, now known as X. A reporter asked McConnell if he planned to run for reelection in 2026 when he froze. An aide repeated the question to McConnell, then told reporters he needed a moment.
“Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today,” McConnell’s spokesperson said after the incident. “While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event,” an aide added.
On Wednesday night, McConnell attended a fundraiser for Rep. Jim Banks, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Indiana.CNNreports that McConnell did not discuss the freezing incident. Banks told CNN McConnell was “sharp,” “engaging” and “very dialed in on my race and following closely.”
PresidentJoe Bidensaid Thursdayhe spoke with McConnell, whom he described as his “old self” on the phone.
“You know, he was his old self on the telephone, and having a little understanding of dealing with neurosurgeons and people,”Biden saidduring a visit to FEMA headquarters.
“One of the leading women on my staff’s husband is a neurosurgeon as well,” the president continued. “It’s not at all unusual to have a response … When you got a severe concussion, it’s part of recovery. And so I’m confident he’s going to be back to his old self.”
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Later, a reporter asked McConnell if what happened was related to his fall in March. “I’m fine,” McConnell said, before telling the reporter he believed he could continue doing his job.
McConnell fell during an event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C. in March.He was hospitalized for five days, and hismedical team found he suffered a minor rib fractureand a concussion, a spokesperson said at the time.
McConnell has served asthe GOP’s Senate Leader since 2007. Although his current term ends in 2027, Republican Senators will vote on their leadership again in 2025, when the next Congress begins.
source: people.com
