Mr. McConnell, who had polio as a child, often has trouble with stairs and has long walked with a wobbly, uneven gait.
The old McConnell, they said, would have not stayed on the sidelines, and many Senate Republicans were ultimately unhappy with the outcome.
Last year, Mr. McConnell weathered a rare challenge to his leadership when Senator Rick Scott, Republican of Florida, decided to oppose him and received 10 votes.
In the past, Mr. McConnell has been named leader with no contest.
Senator Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri, who voted for Mr. Scott, declined on Thursday to comment on Mr. McConnell’s health, but he said that he still wants new Republican leadership in the Senate.
Persons:
McConnell, “, Chuck Schumer, Kevin McCarthy, Rick Scott, Josh Hawley, Scott
Organizations:
Capitol, Republicans, Republican
Locations:
Washington, Helsinki, Florida, Republican, Missouri