Senator Mitch McConnell’s health is once again causing concern after he froze up during a news conference, raising questions about his ability to complete his term, which ends in January 2027. This incident marks the second time in a little over a month that McConnell has experienced such a spell, leaving many to wonder about his well-being.
The episode occurred at an event hosted by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, where McConnell, 81, paused for about 30 seconds while responding to a reporter’s question about his re-election plans. This incident follows a similar one that took place at the U.S. Capitol in July. It is worth noting that McConnell suffered a concussion in March after a fall, and his office did not disclose at least two other falls.
While McConnell has previously dismissed concerns about his health, speculation is now swirling about what would happen if he were to retire during his term. In Kentucky, the power to fill a Senate vacancy was traditionally reserved exclusively for the governor. However, Republican lawmakers used their legislative supermajorities to change the state law in 2021, allowing a state executive committee to name three candidates for the governor to choose from on a temporary basis. A special election would then be scheduled, depending on when the vacancy occurs.
As for potential successors to McConnell, several Republicans could be in the running. However, replacing him with a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump could strain relations, considering McConnell has been critical of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the January 6th attack on the Capitol. One potential candidate to watch is Daniel Cameron, the state’s attorney general who is currently challenging Governor Andy Beshear in the upcoming election. Other contenders include Ryan Quarles, the agricultural commissioner, and Kelly Craft, a former U.N. ambassador under Trump. Representative Andy Barr, who has drawn comparisons to McConnell, could also be a possibility.
McConnell’s aides have attributed his recent freezing spells to feeling lightheaded, but they have provided few details about the underlying causes or his overall health. McConnell, who had polio as a child, has downplayed concerns about his health and has reassured reporters that he has no intentions of stepping down.
Congress as a whole is grappling with the health issues of its members. The average age in the Senate for the current Congress is 64 years, the second oldest in history. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the chamber’s oldest member at 90, has faced health problems this year, leading to calls for her to step down. Other senators, including John Fetterman and McConnell himself, have also dealt with health concerns.
The situation surrounding McConnell’s health remains uncertain, and with his term set to end in 2027, the question of his ability to serve out his term continues to linger. Only time will tell how this issue unfolds and what impact it may have on the political landscape in Kentucky.