The two discussed issues pertaining to Kentucky and Indiana, the source said.īanks in a social media post said that they had a “wide-ranging” discussion and included a picture of the two men talking.Īnother source said McConnell was “very dialed in” about Banks’ Senate race and was engaging in his discussion. “The leader sounded like his usual self and was in good spirits,” Thune spokesman Ryan Wrasse said.Ī source at Banks’ fundraiser told CNN that McConnell was in a “great mood” and didn’t address the freezing episode. McConnell and his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune, spoke Wednesday afternoon after the incident. Speaking to reporters after the incident, McConnell insisted he was “fine.” At the time, his office said the Kentucky Republican was “lightheaded” and Republicans later said that he was dehydrated. In late July, McConnell froze for 30 seconds during a news conference on Capitol Hill. He was treated for a concussion and fractured rib after falling at a hotel in Washington in March, returning to the Senate several weeks later. McConnell, the leader of the Senate Republican caucus since 2007, has faced questions about his health throughout the year.

Jim Banks, who is running for a Senate seat in Indiana – a sign of how he carried on with his schedule as questions persisted Wednesday about his health. McConnell turned back to reporters, said, “OK,” and his aide asked if anyone had another question, and if reporters could “speak up.”Ī spokesman for McConnell told CNN that the Kentucky Republican “felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today.” A McConnell aide added: “While he feels fine, as a prudential measure, the leader will be consulting a physician prior to his next event.” A member of the senator’s detail spoke quietly to him for a moment, and McConnell was able to whisper an answer to him. “I’m sorry you all, we’re gonna need a minute,” the aide told reporters.

Someone at his side then asked him, “Did you hear the question, senator, running for reelection in 2026?” McConnell did not respond. McConnell had to ask him to repeat the question several times, chuckled for a moment, and then paused, closing his mouth and staring straight ahead. Wednesday’s episode occurred when a reporter asked the Republican leader if he was planning to run for reelection in 2026.

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