The Mississippi State Senate resumed its usual business on Thursday morning, with Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann presiding over the chamber just one day after he collapsed during proceedings.
During the opening prayer, a local pastor thanked God for keeping his hand on Lt. Gov. Hosemann and prayed for his continued strength and recovery.
Sen. Kevin Blackwell was the first to speak, saying, “On behalf of the members of the Mississippi Senate and millions of Mississippians, welcome back, and we’re glad you’re well.” His remarks were met with a long standing ovation from the Senate. Hosemann, visibly emotional, saluted his colleagues in response.
The 77-year-old Hosemann was in high spirits on Thursday. While senators welcomed guests to the Capitol, one introduced a doctor and her resident. Hosemann, in a lighthearted mood, joked, “Relax, I’m not planning to use you today.”
Hosemann did not preside over the full Senate proceedings on Thursday as Gov. Tate Reeves was out of state, meaning Hosemann had to handle the governor’s duties for the day. Before leaving the Senate, Hosemann addressed his colleagues, saying, “I do want to apologize for interrupting the session yesterday, so I’m going to ask the rules committee to make Hydration Awareness Day.”
