Just one day after Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann collapsed while presiding over the Senate, the Republican leader returned to the chamber and received quite a warm welcome from both sides of the aisle.
On Wednesday, Hosemann took a spill at the podium. Multiple lawmakers and legislative aids rushed to assist the 77-year-old as medical personnel arrived and promptly tended to him. A sea of well wishes and prayers from his colleagues flooded social media in the aftermath of the incident.
Hosemann released a statement later that day identifying dehydration as the culprit responsible for his fainting but noted that he was “doing well.” Playing to true form as one who “never stops working for Mississippi” — something Hosemann frequently touted on the campaign trail a couple of years ago — the Senate president returned to his post on Thursday.
After a few procedural measures were completed, Sen. Kevin Blackwell, R-Southaven, led what turned into a standing ovation for Hosemann.
“On behalf of the members of the Mississippi Senate and the millions of Mississippians, welcome back. We’re glad you’re well,” Blackwell said as his chamber colleagues stood in solidarity to cheer the lieutenant governor on.
Hosemann offered an apology for his medical emergency and even injected a little humor into the situation that was far from a laughing matter.
“I do want to apologize for interrupting the session yesterday, so I am going to ask the rules committee to make February 19 ‘Hydration Awareness Day,’” Hosemann said as fellow lawmakers laughed.
The Senate adjourned for the remainder of the week and will return on Monday at 4 p.m.