Mitch McConnell

Texas Sen. John Cornyn has informed his colleagues that he intends to run for Senate Republican leader.

Republican leader’s health scares have renewed discussion about who will follow after him.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed questions Wednesday about whether he’ll retire, vowing to serve out his terms as Republican leader and as a senator from Kentucky.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Wednesday dismissed questions on the status of his health, directing the media to a doctor’s report that found he had not suffered a stroke or seizure while freezing up in two public appearances.

The U.S. Capitol physician says 81-year-old Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s health episodes show no evidence of a stroke or seizure disorder.

The Capitol’s attending physician said he “conferred” with Mitch McConnell’s neurology team and that “occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery.”

The Republican leader remained silent for more than 30 seconds after being asked if he will run for re-election.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to freeze again during a gaggle with reporters in Covington, Kentucky, stopping for more than 30 seconds after he was asked if he would run for re-election.

Some Republican senators harbor concerns about Mitch McConnell’s health, saying they have personally witnessed changes in the minority leader, 81, after he fell and sustained a concussion in March.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., stopped speaking and appeared to freeze in the middle of a news conference on Wednesday. He was escorted away and returned minutes later, saying “I’m fine.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suddenly stopped speaking during a weekly Republican leadership press conference on Wednesday afternoon, appearing to freeze, and then went silent and was walked away.