Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) leaves his office at the U.S. Capitol July 27. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) second public freezing episode this summer has reignited concerns about his health, term limits for aging leaders — and his future in office.
Why it matters: If McConnell, the longest-serving GOP Senate leader in U.S. history, steps down before his term ends in 2027, his state and party will need to replace one of the most calculated politicians of a generation.
Driving the news: McConnell, 81, was medically clear to continue working on Thursday, his doctor said, after he appeared unable to talk for more than 20 seconds during a news conference on Wednesday. He experienced a similar episode in July.
- He was also out of office earlier this year after experiencing a concussion from a serious fall in March.
How it works: A Republican committee would have the power to choose three candidates to replace McConnell.
- Then, the state's governor, Andy Beshear (D-Ky.), would appoint one of their three picks as a temporary replacement, per Kentucky Senate Bill 228, passed in 2021. A special election would follow.
- The GOP legislature changed this law during Beshear's time in office, overriding his veto with a supermajority.
- The Kentucky governor had historically had power to replace a senator, whether from resignation, death or expulsion.
The intrigue: McConnell backed SB 228, the Louisville Courier Journal reported in 2021, although the bill's lead sponsor said at the time McConnell was not planning to step down.
Zoom out: Three potential replacements for McConnell's latest term as the GOP Senate leader — which runs two years — are John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Tx.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Axios' Hans Nichols reports.
- But none is expected to challenge his leadership soon, according to top Republican officials.
- He also easily fended off a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) during his re-election to the position last fall.
Reality check: McConnell's office has not given indications that he would resign from office.
- McConnell's office said after his first freeze-up in July that he would still serve out his full term leading Senate Republicans.
Go deeper: McConnell's scary moment raises age limit questions for Congress — again