WATCH: Florida State Lawmaker Faints During Press Conference

A Florida state lawmaker fainted while speaking at a press conference with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday afternoon.

State Sen. Ileana Garcia, a Republican, nearly passed out before Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo caught her.

“Governor, forgive me, I’ve got to sit down, because I am not feeling well,” Garcia said before fainting.

“Garcia ultimately was fine and finished her remarks at the podium,” Florida’s Voice noted.

WATCH:

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

FOX 13 Tampa Bay reports:

The state’s surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo was near Garcia at the time and was able to help her out.

“We’ve got you, we’ve got you, we’ve got you,” Ladapo said as he guided her into a seat on the stage.

Garcia was able to compose herself and continued her address during the press conference.

“Are you kidding, this was my moment. I could not,” she said. “Nerveracking, but this was my moment and I so appreciate your grace, Governor DeSantis.”

Garcia is a republican, and she serves District 36 in southern Florida.

“Thank you, @FLSurgeonGen, for being there for me during this challenging time. I was on live TV, presenting landmark legislation in front of my governor, @GovRonDeSantis. I truly appreciate everyone who has reached out to me through text, email, and phone. I’m feeling much better now,” Garcia said.

Thank you, @FLSurgeonGen, for being there for me during this challenging time. I was on live TV, presenting landmark legislation in front of my governor, @GovRonDeSantis. I truly appreciate everyone who has reached out to me through text, email, and phone. I’m feeling much better… https://t.co/zWEP6gqbC0

— Ileana Garcia (@IleanaGarciaUSA) May 7, 2025

From the New York Post:

She finished speaking without a hitch and left the stage to more applause.

“Guys, can we just get another round of applause to Ileana Garcia,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez when he took the stage next.

“Absolutely nothing is going to stop that woman from fighting for the people of Florida,” he added.