Former Mississippi State Senator John Polk Dies at 77

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Former Mississippi state senator John Polk has died at age 77, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announced on social media Monday.

Hosemann described Polk as a close friend and a dedicated public servant. “We will always remember him for his unwavering dedication to Mississippi, his strong convictions, and his willingness to say what needed to be said even when it was difficult,” Hosemann wrote.

During a recent special session, Sen. Josh Harkins announced that Polk had entered hospice care. Harkins praised Polk’s service, saying “he’s carried himself with dignity … and was a genuinely kind man.” Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, a former senator who served with Polk, called him a “distinguished businessman, statesman, devoted family man, and man of God.”

Polk, a Republican, represented District 44 in Lamar County from 2012 until early 2026. He decided not to seek reelection after the district was redrawn in 2025, citing the change as a factor in his decision. “Serving district 44 as your senator has been the honor of my life,” Polk said last year, adding that he always prioritized the best interests of his constituents.

In addition to his legislative career, Polk was a veteran of the Mississippi National Guard. He was also an executive at his family’s business, Polk Meat Products, and a longtime supporter of the University of Southern Mississippi. Arrangements for his funeral were pending as of Monday.

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