During a Senate session on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann fainted at his podium while conducting state legislature proceedings in Jackson, MS. Senate staff and fellow legislators swiftly attended to the 77-year-old Republican following the startling incident, which took place just before 11 a.m., during a live broadcast of the legislative session.
Caught on video, Hosemann, lieutenant governor since 2020, was seen leaning forward, closing his eyes and collapsing onto his microphone and podium before falling to one side. The legislative session was promptly put into recess as his colleagues rushed to help, with many senators quickly stepping in to assist their distressed leader.
Amidst the chaos, a woman was heard calling out “Oh my God, Delbert, Delbert,” followed by lawmakers shouting for medical assistance.
Medical staff at the Capitol arrived on the scene within minutes. Hannah C. Millet, Communications Director for Hosemann’s office, later informed the public that the lieutenant governor had remained conscious during the event and refused transport to a hospital. Soon after the fall, he was seen sitting upright and walked to his office without help. Hosemann left the Capitol surrounded by staff and security before getting into a government vehicle.
Addressing the incident later that day, Hosemann attributed his fainting to dehydration. “I am grateful for Mississippi’s phenomenal medical professionals and am ready to go back to work tomorrow,” he stated. “Lesson learned: Stay hydrated.” His office also released a statement confirming that he was “doing well and in good spirits.”
From public view, the Legislature’s YouTube channel swiftly removed the video recording of the incident, though snippets had already started circulating on social media. When the Senate reconvened at 2 p.m., Senate Pro Tempore Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, took over presiding duties. Kirby later informed the press that everything with Hosemann “was fine” and anticipated the lieutenant governor’s return the next morning.
State leaders, including Gov. Tate Reeves and Republican House Speaker Jason White, voiced their support for Hosemann and offered prayers for his recovery. Senate Finance Chairman Josh Harkins gave a firsthand update on Hosemann’s condition: “As he walked out of the Capitol a little while ago, he looked at us and said, ‘Hey, that last bill was awful!’ He is doing well, and if I know him he will be trying to come back to the Capitol today.”
As predicted, Hosemann returned to the Capitol on Thursday, February 20, where he was greeted with a standing ovation from his fellow senators. On behalf of the Senate and all Mississippians, Republican Sen. Kevin Blackwell formally welcomed him back, and Hosemann returned to his regular duties overseeing the chamber.
Falling in front of a room full of people and causing a sudden halt to the session wasn’t an ideal moment for Hosemann. He admitted that it bruised his pride a bit, but he took it with a sense of humor. He pointed out that he had learned a valuable lesson and, holding his water bottle as evidence, assured everyone that he was better prepared this time.
Maintaining his sense of humor, he proposed that the Rules Committee consider designating February 19 as “Hydration Awareness Day.”
Having a long-standing political career in Mississippi state government, Hosemann served as Mississippi Secretary of State from 2008 to 2020 before his current role as lieutenant governor. He has guided his chamber through various significant legislative initiatives, such as the 2022 tax cut debate and the 2024 Medicaid expansion proposal. Political observers view him as a potential candidate for governor in 2027, when the term of current Gov. Tate Reeves will end due to term limits.
Despite the health scare, Hosemann maintains an active lifestyle that many younger politicians might find challenging. He expressed his intention to participate in the upcoming Mississippi Blues Marathon 5K (3.1 miles). Hosemann, who has completed the New York and Boston marathons, is also known for his family values and love for the outdoors. He has a 54-year marriage, three children, nine grandchildren, and is an avid hunter.
