Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suffered another fall on Tuesday, this time after a lunch meeting with Republican senators, according to a report by Punchbowl News’s John Bresnahan. McConnell required medical attention and was seen leaving the area in a wheelchair, with reports indicating he sustained a cut to his face.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the incoming Republican Whip and a physician, assured reporters that McConnell is “okay.” However, given McConnell’s recent history of health issues, concerns remain.
This latest incident follows several health scares for the 81-year-old senator. In March 2023, McConnell was hospitalized after a fall at a Washington-area hotel, where he suffered a concussion and required extended treatment. Months later, he reportedly fell at an airport, though this was kept from the press. Subsequently, he began using a wheelchair in crowded situations.
The most notable moment came during a July 2023 press conference, when McConnell appeared to freeze mid-sentence and was escorted away by his staff. The incident raised widespread questions about his health and ability to continue in his leadership role.
The 81-year-old Republican leader was in the midst of a press interaction when a journalist inquired about his intention to run for reelection in 2026, according to a report from The Hill.
After requesting the reporter to repeat the question twice, McConnell began to respond but stopped mid-sentence, staying silent for an estimated 30 seconds.
This moment was captured in a video clip shared by MSNBC. As he paused, an aide approached the senator, asking, “did you hear the question, senator, running for reelection in 2026?”
McConnell’s reply was unintelligible.
The aide then addressed the reporters, saying, “Alright, I’m sorry you all, we’re gonna need a minute.”
When McConnell finally resumed, he uttered a brief “okay,” with his aide urging the media to “please speak up.”
A representative for the senator later commented on the incident, noting that McConnell “felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.”
As of now, McConnell’s condition following this most recent fall has not been disclosed in detail.
