The latest incident occurred as McConnell, 81 years old, was taking questions from reporters in his home state. When he was asked if he planned to run for re-election in 2026, he stood motionless for about 30 seconds.

McConnell’s office said the senator paused because he felt momentarily lightheaded. An aide said that McConnell “feels fine” and “as a prudential measure, the Leader will be consulting a physician.” …

Earlier this year, McConnell fell at a Washington hotel and suffered a concussion and broke a rib. When he returned to work, he resumed his regular schedule, but concerns intensified on July 26 after he froze for about 20 seconds while delivering remarks at a press conference. At the time, McConnell said he was fine.

A decline in McConnell’s health could have implications for Republicans in the Senate as well as the functioning of the chamber, particularly in times of heightened partisanship in Congress. McConnell is the longest serving Senate leader in history, having driven the GOP’s legislative and political strategy for more than 16 years.

McConnell has been central to passing Republican priorities such as the GOP tax overhaul in 2017 and confirming conservative justices to the Supreme Court. He also has worked with Democrats on knotty issues such as raising the nation’s borrowing limit, as well as funding the government, and supported President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure package. …

If McConnell were to step aside as party leader, there are several potential successors: Sens. John Thune (R., S.D.), currently the Senate Republican whip; John Cornyn (R., Texas), the former Senate Republican whip; and John Barrasso (R., Wyo.), the chairman of the Senate Republican conference. …

Congress is on August recess, and most senators won’t return to Washington until after Labor Day. The initial freezing incident in July startled fellow lawmakers and brought into the open lingering concerns regarding McConnell’s health. At the time, Republican senators quickly rallied around him, saying they continued to have confidence in his ability to do the job. …

Neurologists who reviewed footage of McConnell’s two freezing episodes said they couldn’t diagnose McConnell without examining him, but they said they would want to rule out stroke or a stroke-like attack if he was in their care. …

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(Excerpt from The Wall Street Journal. Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)