Just moments before the Senate adjourned on the first day of the 2019 Legislative Session, Senator and Pro Tempore Terry Burton resigned from his position as Pro Tem effective by midnight tonight. He also announced that he would not be running for re-election in his district.
Taking a point of privilege on the floor Burton began heartfelt sentiments regarding how some decisions in his personal have left his with a decision to make regarding his political status.
“Ladies and Gentleman of the Senate, to say the last few weeks have been difficult is an understatement, not just for me but for you,” said Burton. In the weeks leading up to the session, Senator Burton was arrested for a third DUI charge. Speculation began to circle that it could lead to a change in his status in the Senate.
“I’ve been in elected office over 30 years and all good things must come to an end,” said Burton. “I do not plan to seek reelection to the state Senate in 2019, I will not be a candidate.”
Burton said he would remain committed to his constituents in District 31 to finish out this year strong. In addition to his announcement not to run again, he announced effective at midnight on Tuesday, he would not longer be serving as the Senate Pro Tempore.
“I have tried to serve you as your Pro Temp in a very positive way…I hold the state Senate and the institution of the Senate in the highest regard,” said Burton. “I want to continue to serve my people in District 31, I want to continue to work on my issues…in order to do that I feel the need to resign as your Pro Tempore.” Burton has served in the Mississippi Senate since 1992 and is originally from Philadelphia Mississippi.
Burton was received by the Senate with a standing ovation before the chamber adjourned for the day.
