"What are my thoughts about what?" McConnell said when asked about reelection. The senator then froze in silence after the question was repeated.
Another attendee then braced McConnell, claiming that they would "need a minute" to recover. McConnell resumed speaking after several moments of silence.
In July, McConnell similarly fell silent partway through a conference in Washington, DC, alongside other Republican lawmakers. McConnell briefly departed that presser before later returning, claiming he felt fine.
Earlier this year, McConnell sustained a concussion during a fall. The minority leader stepped away after feeling lightheaded, one of McConnell's aides said at the time.
The pause during Wednesday’s conference was again due to McConnell feeling lightheaded, a spokesperson for the senator explained. McConnell feels fine but will consult a doctor prior to his next public event, the spokesperson stated.
In July, a McConnell spokesperson told Sputnik that the senator intends to serve in his party leadership role through the remainder of his term.