State Representative Gary Chism is out of the hospital after suffering a “mild” stroke over the weekend, his colleagues have confirmed.
District 39 Rep. Jeff Smith (R-Columbus) told The Dispatch that Chism suffered a stroke on Saturday and had been hospitalized. Smith confirmed this morning Chism was released sometime Sunday afternoon or evening.
Chism, a Republican from Columbus, represents District 38 in the Mississippi House of Representatives. The district includes portions of Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties.
Smith and Chism have been desk-mates since Chism joined the Legislature in 2000.
“Gary comes across as very conservative and very independent-minded,” he said. “We’ve known each other since we were 16. He’s really a soft-hearted guy. He’s super-conservative, but one of the few members of Legislature you can get to change his mind.”
District 43 Rep. Rob Roberson (R-Starkville) said on Sunday he was aware of the stroke and that Chism had been hospitalized at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus. Roberson said Chism’s family took him to the hospital when they noticed stroke symptoms.
“We prayed for him last night,” Roberson said Sunday. “Gary is a lot like my dad, in that we can get stubborn as we get older sometimes. I think his kids had to talk him into going to the hospital. I’m glad he had his family around so they could get him up there.
“I hope he gets better,” Roberson added. “Anything he needs from the Starkville family, we will do.”
District 41 Rep. Kabir Karriem (D-Columbus) wished Chism and his family well.
“I sit diagonally from Representative Chism in the House,” Karriem said. “We speak and talk every day. I’m praying for his speedy recovery and I wish his family well. It’s unfortunate, but I hope he gets well. I’m sure that his family and constituents need him.”
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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