Mississippi Senate opens 2026 session; Jimmy Jordan elected sergeant at arms by acclamation

The Mississippi Senate convened at noon on Jan. 6, 2026, for the start of its regular session, the presiding lieutenant governor said, citing the state constitution's requirement that the Legislature meet on the Tuesday after the first Monday in January.

The session opened with the clerk's roll call, after which the clerk reported that a quorum was present. Pastor Jonathan Vasquez of Bethlehem Church in Pottskamp delivered the invocation, asking for wisdom and unity for the chamber. Senator Neil Whaley led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The presiding officer administered the oath of office protocol for newly elected and re-elected members, and the Senate moved to organizational business. Senator Harkins nominated Jimmy Jordan to serve as sergeant at arms, noting Jordan's more than three decades in law enforcement and service at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and as a school liaison deputy.

Senator Rhodes seconded the nomination, and Senator Harkins moved to close nominations and elect Jordan by acclamation. The lieutenant governor asked if any senator wished to be recorded voting no; seeing none, the presiding officer declared Jordan elected by acclamation. Jimmy Jordan then repeated the oath, saying, "I, Jimmy Jordan, do solemnly swear," and pledged to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.

During the session senators introduced guests and senior pages, including Caleb Bierman of Madison and Walter Townsend of Lexington, and recognized Mayor John Horn and other visitors in the galleries. Senator Boyd introduced Dr. Catherine Panel as the doctor of the day; she was noted as president of the Mississippi Medical Association.

The clerk read the names of committees designated to notify the governor and the House that the Senate was organized and ready for business, and senators offered a series of adjournment-in-memory statements honoring recently deceased residents and public servants. Committee meeting times for Appropriations and Education were announced.

Senator Blackwell moved that the Senate stand in recess until 5 p.m.; the motion carried by voice vote and the chamber recessed, with the Senate scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. the following day.