Former state Sen. John Polk is receiving hospice care, one of his former colleagues announced Wednesday as lawmakers returned to the state capitol for a special session.
Polk, 77, served in the Senate as a Republican for 14 years and represented areas in Lamar and Pearl River counties. He first took office in 2012 and officially retired in January 2026 after a federal panel of judges ordered his district be redrawn.
Sen. Josh Harkins, a Republican from Flowood, shared the news with the Senate, telling lawmakers that Polk’s wife, Jan, had asked that his former colleagues be made aware of his condition. Senators will adjourn in his honor later Wednesday evening.
“John has been a man of humility, integrity, and quiet strength throughout his service,” Harkins said. “He’s carried himself with dignity, always treating others with respect – regardless of differences in opinion.
“He’s never sought the spotlight, but instead, faithfully served is constituents and this body with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to doing what he believed was right.
“Those of us who had the privilege of serving alongside John know him as not only a dedicated public servant but as a genuinely kind man, a gentleman whose character has spoken louder than his words. His steady presence, his thoughtful counsel, and friendship has left a lasting impression on all of us.
“As John and his family walk through this difficult season, I know I speak for the entire Senate when I say our thoughts and prayers are with them. We pray that God will surround Mrs. Jan and her family and John with peace, his comfort, and to his loved ones, remind them of the impact John had on so many lives.
“Sen. Polk, we thank you for your faithful service to Mississippi, for your friendship, and for the example you have set. You have earned the respect and admiration of this chamber, and we will always remember you with gratitude and affection. May God bless Sen. Polk and his family.”
Polk grew up in Columbia and, after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1974, began working for his family’s meat business. In addition to serving as an executive for Polk’s Meat Products, he served in several leadership capacities during his time in public service.
He was the chair of the Senate Business and Financial Institutions and the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committees. He also held spots on several other committees, including the Senate Medicaid Committee, the Senate Education Committee, and the Senate Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency Committee.
Upon announcing his intent to retire in April 2025, Polk was honored with a pair of resolutions and told other members of the Senate that his time in the legislature was “the best 14 (years) of my life.”
