Robbin Taylor, serving as the State Director for U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican representing Kentucky, accompanied McConnell during his speech at the NKY Chamber of Commerce event held at the Madison Event Center on August 30, 2023, in Covington, Kentucky. During this event, McConnell encountered a momentary pause and was unable to provide a response to a reporter’s question. This incident took place a few weeks subsequent to a similar occurrence in Washington.
In a video captured by a local news station, the 81-year-old McConnell was presented with a question regarding his potential candidacy for reelection in 2026. In response, McConnell requested the reporter to restate the question, but then lapsed into a brief period of contemplation, fixating on a point ahead for approximately 10 seconds. An aide situated at the front of the room endeavored to clarify the question to McConnell, yet he remained unresponsive. The aide communicated to the attendees the need for a brief intermission as McConnell continued to hold his distant gaze. Overall, this silent interval persisted for approximately 30 seconds.
Subsequently, McConnell managed to address a couple of additional inquiries, except for the one concerning his prospective 2026 campaign. However, his responses exhibited hesitancy and were characterized by speech difficulties. Following the conclusion of the news conference, McConnell left the room at a measured pace.
This incident in Covington, Kentucky, bears resemblance to a previous event in July when McConnell experienced a 20-second pause during a press conference at the Capitol. On that occasion, he retreated to his office in the company of his aides before returning to respond to further questions.
The recent incident has amplified concerns about McConnell’s health and his continued role within Congress and leadership. This is significant due to his extensive tenure, having first been elected to the Senate in 1984 and subsequently taking on the role of GOP leader in 2007.
In the aftermath of the event, McConnell initiated contact with South Dakota Senator John Thune, the second-ranking Senate Republican, who is regarded as a potential successor. According to Thune’s spokesperson, Ryan Wrasse, McConnell’s communication conveyed his customary demeanor and positive spirits.
Before the episode of pause, McConnell had already delivered a 20-minute speech at the event. During this segment, he seemed more at ease as he discussed the upcoming Senate schedule. He even light-heartedly likened his responsibilities to those of a “groundskeeper at the cemetery,” where his authority is acknowledged, but attention is sparse.
Subsequent to the incident, McConnell’s office indicated that he experienced a momentary sensation of lightheadedness and planned to consult a physician prior to his next commitment. Similarly, following the incident in July, aides attributed the episode to lightheadedness. However, neither McConnell nor his team have disclosed further specifics regarding these occurrences.
In March, McConnell sustained a concussion and a fractured rib from a fall at a hotel after a dinner event. This led to his absence from the Senate for nearly six weeks. Since then, he has exhibited slower movement and occasional speech hesitations.
When queried about McConnell immediately after the event, President Joe Biden expressed his intention to contact his friend McConnell to inquire about his well-being. Biden underscored their friendship and the gravity of the situation.
McConnell’s history includes contracting polio during his early childhood, and he has openly acknowledged the challenges he faced in adulthood, particularly concerning activities like climbing stairs. Additionally, besides the incident in March, he encountered a fall four years ago at his residence in Kentucky, which resulted in a shoulder fracture requiring surgical treatment.