The televised debate between Democratic candidates running for mayor of Philadelphia came to a crashing halt on Tuesday, when 74-year-old Lynne Abraham collapsed on stage. It was only 10 minutes into the hour-long debate when Abraham was heard falling as Senator Anthony Williams answered a question, and the camera panned over to see the former Philadelphia District Attorney lying helpless on the floor. Mayoral candidate Nelson Diaz quickly came to Abraham's aide and helped her stand up when she regained consciousness. Scroll down for video . Philadelphia mayoral candidate Lynne Abraham (left) collapsed on stage 10 minutes into Tuesday night's hour-long debate between Democratic candidates . The former Philadelphia District Attorney Abraham allegedly suffered a momentary drop in blood pressure. She sat out the rest of the debate . The debate was paused as a doctor evaluated Abraham backstage and told her she probably suffered from a sudden drop in blood pressure due to the unforgiving stage lights. While Abraham was anxious to get back on stage and finish the debate, the doctor ordered her against returning. Speaking to reporters after her fall, Abraham said she was embarrassed but feeling well and that the incident won't impact her campaign. 'How'd you like my opening act?' Abraham joked to reporters. 'Nothing like fainting on stage.' Speaking to reporters after the fall, Abraham appeared to be in good spirits and said she would not let the incident impact her campaign. Pictured on the right before speaking to reporters after the fall . Describing the incident, Abraham said she was on a riser when she 'leaned over to look at [Williams] and the lights went out.' She said she has never fainted before. 'It just happened at an inopportune time. It's a little bit embarrassing but I fell gracefully. I didn't hurt anything I'm fine,' she said. Despite missing most of the debate, the fall appears to have had a strangely positive affect for Abraham. In a poll conducted after the debate, 54 per cent of participants said they would vote for Abraham in the Democratic primary, scheduled for May 19. Abraham appeared to be healthy on stage just before the debate began Tuesday night at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center. Pictured on the left, next to mayor candidate Nelson Diaz . After Abraham was taken off stage, the debate continued between the remaining candidates. From left to right: Abraham, Nelson Diaz, Jim Kenney, Doug Oliver, Milton Street and Senator Anthony Williams . That's likely good news to her campaign managers, since Abraham has been having a hard time raising enough money to compete with front-runners Williams and Jim Kenney, according to Philly.com. NBC 10 Philadelphia will host two more debates between the Democratic candidates before the primary next month. After Abraham was taken off stage, the debate continued between remaining candidates Nelson Diaz, Jim Kenney, Doug Oliver, Milton Street and Senator Anthony Williams.
Candidate Lynne Abraham says she suffered a momentary drop in blood pressure and that it's never happened before . While a doctor kept her from returning to the debate, the 74-year-old former district attorney says she will not let the incident affect her campaign .