Republican Florida State Sen. Ileana Garcia passed out while speaking at a press conference held by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday.
Garcia was speaking about environmental legislation when she suddenly turned to DeSantis to let him know she was not feeling well.
“Governor, forgive me,” Garcia said. “I’ve gotta sit down because I am not feeling well.”
Seconds later, Garcia slumped over and was caught by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo.
“We got you,” Ladapo repeatedly told her as he prevented her from falling.
WATCH: The moment Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo caught Sen. Ileana Garcia as she seemingly fainted or nearly passed out speaking at a press conference today
Garcia ultimately was fine and finished her remarks at the podium pic.twitter.com/Olloxog0AF
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) May 6, 2025
Garcia was given water and sat down momentarily before returning to the podium and finishing her remarks.
The crowd cheered, and she joked about the situation.
“Are you kidding? This was my moment,” Garcia said to laughter. “Nerve-racking, but this was my moment, and I so appreciate your grace, Governor DeSantis.”
The cause of the collapse remains unclear.
