Mitch McConnell Freezes During Press Conference, Is Called To Resign

(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) abruptly stopped speaking in the middle of a weekly Republican leadership press conference Wednesday, July 26.

The minority leader was in the middle of his opening remarks on Congress’ annual defense policy bill when he suddenly stopped talking, staying silent for 19 seconds. The incident led to him being quietly escorted from the podium by other Republican leaders, checking to see if he was okay.

The incident has sparked speculation on social media, with many wondering if the minority leader had suffered a health emergency in the middle of the press conference. Popular political commentator Ian Miles Cheong posted a video of the ordeal on Twitter, writing, “Did Mitch McConnell just have a mild stroke?”

Following the incident, the Kentucky senator is now facing calls to resign from both Republicans and Democrats. McConnell is one of several politicians who have had doubt cast on them regarding their health. Republicans, for instance, have routinely made note of President Joe Biden’s near-constant gaffes and ramblings when making speeches, which many have speculated is due to cognitive decline.

California Senator Diane Feinstein, a Democrat and long-serving member of Congress, has also heard calls to resign due to being out of action for a lengthy period of time thanks to shingles.

McConnell’s future remains uncertain, as his term ends in 2027. Per the Constitution, while members of the House only serve two-year terms, senators serve six-year terms. The Senate is elected in a staggered fashion in increments of two years. This means roughly one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years. McConnell will be up for re-election in the 2026 midterms.

However, suppose McConnell decides to resign before his term ends. In that case, Kentucky Republicans in the state’s legislature have passed a bill, which, if signed into law, requires the state’s governor to select a Republican as a temporary replacement before an election is held. Per the law, the governor would pick from a list of three names provided by the executive committee of the Kentucky State Republican Party.