Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann presided over the Senate on Thursday, a day after he collapsed in the chamber.

In brief remarks from the dias Thursday and a statement posted to social media, Hosemann said he had been dehydrated.

“I do want to apologize for interrupting the session yesterday,” Hosemann said, and joked, “I am going to ask the Rules Committee to make February 19, Hydration Awareness Day.”

A few minutes before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, as the Senate was about to take up its final appropriation bills for the day, Hosemann slumped over his lectern and microphone, then fell to one side.

Medical staff tended to him as regained consciousness and was sitting upright shortly after he fell. Later, Hosemann was seen walking out of the Capitol flanked by staff and security and he got in a government vehicle.

The Legislature quickly removed a video recording of Senate proceedings that showed the incident. The video remained unavailable on the Legislature’s YouTube page as of Thursday morning.

In a statement posted to social media on Wednesday evening, Hosemann said he hadn’t drunk enough water that day.

“Thank you all for the kind words and prayers,” Hosemann wrote. “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.

Senators rose to give Hosemann a standing ovation before the body continued its normal proceedings.

“On behalf of the members of the Mississippi Senate and millions of Mississippians, welcome back and we’re glad you’re well,” said Republican Sen. Kevin Blackwell.

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