Mississippi Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann collapsed while presiding over the state Senate on Wednesday.
In a video first posted to the Mississippi legislature’s YouTube page that has since been deleted but posted elsewhere, Hosemann, 77, can be seen standing at the podium before bowing his head, slowly keeling over into the microphone, and then collapsing to the side.
Aides can be seen quickly rushing to his assistance as audible cries of horror are heard from the audience. One aid quickly asked for a recess into the microphone, and another can be seen mouthing “Call 911.”
In a statement hours later, Hosemann assured everyone that he was “feeling fine,” blaming the fall on dehydration.
“Thank you all for the kind words and prayers. I was dehydrated and am feeling fine now. I am grateful for Mississippi’s phenomenal medical professionals and am ready to go back to work tomorrow. Lesson learned: Stay hydrated,” he said.
Democratic state Sen. John Horhn said Hosemann walked to his office after the fall, and less than an hour later, the GOP leader was seen leaving the state Capitol, per local outlet WAPT.
Gov. Tate Reeves (R-MS) said he and his wife were praying for the lieutenant governor. Other figures in the Mississippi legislature also extended their well-wishes.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Governor @DelbertHosemann for his health and speedy recovery,” GOP state House Speaker Jason White said in a post on X.
Hosemann has served as the lieutenant governor of Mississippi since 2020, previously serving as the secretary of state from 2008 to 2020.
