Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the most powerful Republican in Congress, has raised concerns about his health after he appeared to freeze twice in a month during press conferences. The 81-year-old Kentucky senator had to leave a press conference in July after he was rendered unable to speak. On Wednesday, he once again froze and seemed unresponsive to reporters’ questions, requiring his aide to repeat them for him.
McConnell’s health scares have made Washington and his fellow Republicans contemplate the unthinkable: what does the Senate look like without him? McConnell has been the leader of the Senate Republicans since 2007, and has wielded enormous influence over the legislative agenda, the federal judiciary, and the political strategy of his party. He is known for his shrewdness, his discipline, and his ability to command fear and respect from both allies and adversaries.
McConnell receives clean bill of health from Capitol Hill doctor
On Thursday, McConnell received a clean bill of health from the Capitol Hill doctor, who said he had no medical issues that would prevent him from resuming his normal activities. The doctor also said that McConnell had undergone a routine physical examination in July, which showed no signs of cognitive impairment or other problems.
McConnell’s office has not offered any explanation for his episodes of freezing, but some have speculated that they could be related to his previous injuries or illnesses. In 2019, McConnell fractured his shoulder after falling at his home in Kentucky. In 2003, he underwent surgery to remove an artery blockage in his neck. He also survived polio as a child, which he often cites as a source of his resilience and determination.
McConnell faces challenges from Democrats and Trump loyalists
McConnell’s health issues come at a time when he faces multiple challenges from both Democrats and Trump loyalists. He is trying to block President Joe Biden’s ambitious agenda on infrastructure, voting rights, climate change, and social spending, while also navigating the divisions within his own party over the former president’s role and influence.
McConnell has been a vocal critic of Trump’s false claims of election fraud and his role in inciting the January 6 Capitol riot, which led to a rift between them. McConnell voted to acquit Trump during his second impeachment trial, but also denounced him as “practically and morally responsible” for the attack. Trump has vowed to retaliate against McConnell and other Republicans who opposed him, and has endorsed some primary challengers against them.
McConnell has also faced pressure from some conservatives who accuse him of being too moderate or compromising with Democrats. Some have called for him to step down as the leader or retire from the Senate altogether. However, McConnell has shown no signs of backing down or giving up his power. He has said that he intends to run for re-election in 2026, when he will be 84 years old.
McConnell’s potential successors lack his experience and clout
If McConnell were to leave the Senate or lose his leadership position, it is unclear who would replace him or how effective they would be. None of the potential successors have his level of experience, clout, or strategic acumen. The current number two Republican in the Senate is John Thune of South Dakota, who has been loyal to McConnell but also more conciliatory toward Trump. Other possible contenders include John Cornyn of Texas, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Todd Young of Indiana, and Rick Scott of Florida.
Whoever succeeds McConnell will face a daunting task of keeping the Republican caucus united and competitive in the face of a slim Democratic majority and a polarized political environment. They will also have to deal with the legacy and impact of McConnell’s tenure, which has been marked by unprecedented obstructionism, partisan warfare, and judicial transformation.