JACKSON — Republican Giles Ward of Louisville is in line to become the second-highest leader of the Mississippi Senate.
Ward has a majority of votes in the 52-member chamber to become president pro tempore, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves’ spokeswoman Laura Hipp told The Associated Press on Saturday.
“Giles has the respect of his colleagues in the Senate because they know he has the true heart of a public servant,” Reeves said in a statement. “Giles is passionate about creating smart agriculture and forestry policies, protecting Mississippians’ Second Amendment rights and creating good-paying jobs across this state.”
Ward is expected to be elected by his Senate colleagues soon after the legislative session begins Tuesday.
The previous president pro tem, Republican Terry Brown of Columbus, died of lung cancer Sept. 4.
The president pro tem presides over the Senate when the lieutenant governor isn’t available. He’s also a top adviser to the lieutenant governor and helps round up votes on important legislation.
Ward, 66, lost his home to a tornado in April, and he announced at the Neshoba County Fair in July that he would not seek a third term in the Senate this year. His District 18 is comprised of Leake and Neshoba counties and a part of Winston County.
Ward told AP in an interview Saturday that he intends to work with Reeves and his colleagues to keep the Senate running efficiently.
“I look forward to spending my last year in the Mississippi Senate in an honored position and one of trust,” Ward said. “I’m ready to get down there and let’s get started.”
During the 2014 legislative session, Ward pushed to create a tax-free weekend for hunting and fishing gear.
Ward has been chairman of the Senate Wildlife Committee this term, but will give up that chairmanship when he becomes president pro tem. He was elected to the Senate in 2007 after having served five terms as a member of the Louisville Board of Alderman. He was re-elected in 2011.
Before going to the Senate, Ward worked 33 years as a regional manager with Georgia-Pacific Corporation.
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