Mitch McConnell: Health Concerns After Abruptly Stopping Press Conference

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly stopped talking at his weekly press conference on Wednesday when he froze and appeared unable to continue for more than 30 seconds as he gripped the podium. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the third-ranking Republican and a physician, walked with McConnell for a few steps near the Senate floor as other leaders resumed the press conference.

McConnell returned a few moments later and said he was "fine." He told reporters he was able to do his job and that he had spoken to President Biden, who had called to ask how he was doing.

Barrasso said he had "no new concerns" about McConnell's health and that he had answered more questions than he normally does after the episode.

McConnell, 81, has experienced other falls and health issues in the past. He walks with a limp as a result of having polio as a child. He has talked publicly about his experience with that disease when he was diagnosed before a polio vaccine had been developed.

In 2018, he cited his personal battle as motivation to eradicate the disease around the world. He also wrote about his experience doing gruelling exercises to be able to walk while battling polio in his 2016 memoir, The Long Game.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he wished McConnell well and that he was "always concerned" about the health of his colleagues.

McConnell was first elected in 1984 and is up for reelection in 2026. He has not made any announcements about whether he will run for an eighth term.

McConnell's health scare has raised concerns about his ability to continue serving as Senate Minority Leader. He is 81 years old and has experienced other health issues in the past. It is unclear whether he will run for reelection in 2026.