U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) speaks during a news conference about the 25th anniversary of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) October 18, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

 

Washington (CNN) Sen. Mark Kirk, a stroke victim who is running for a second term in 2016, fell during a vote on the Senate floor Wednesday.

He tumbled backwards and landed hard when walking down steps to the well of the chamber. Uninjured, he was quickly lifted to his feet by fellow senators and walked to the dais where he cast a vote on a trade bill moments later.

"I'm very good. I misjudged a step coming out of the cloakroom," he told CNN as he left the chamber.

The Illinois Republican suffered as stroke about three and half years ago. He walks with a cane when on the Senate floor, but is usually in a wheel chair pushed by staffers when he moves around the halls of Congress.

Despite being slowed by his condition, Kirk is active in his Senate duties and is running for re-election in what is expected to be a competitive race in a largely Democratic state.

Asked if he had hurt himself, Kirk said no.

"Not at all. Three years of no falls. Perfect record," he said.