Former Mississippi Sen. John Polk has passed away at the age of 77, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announced Monday afternoon.
“The Senate and I have lost a close friend, confidant, and outstanding person in former Sen. John Polk of Hattiesburg,” Hosemann wrote on social media. “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.”
Polk 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.
During a special session last week, senators were informed that Polk was receiving hospice care. Sen. Josh Harkins, a Republican from Flowood, shared the news after Polk’s wife, Jan, had asked that his former colleagues be made aware of his condition.
“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.
“…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.”