Y’all Politics has confirmed that State Senator Dean Kirby of Pearl will be the next Senate Pro-Tem. His selection is still subject to an official vote of the Senate membership that will be seated in January, but he has secured the support of the majority of the Senate Republicans and Lt. Governor-elect Delbert Hosemann.
In a statement, Hosemann said, “Dean Kirby is one of the most well-respected members of the Senate, and I’m so pleased his colleagues support and recognize his leadership.”
This past session, Kirby has served as the Chair of Public Health Committee and Vice Chair of Finance. Originally elected in 1992, he has served his Rankin County-based District 30 as one of the more powerful members of the body without historically being one of the more vocal members. Fellow Rankin County member, Sen. Josh Harkins, praised Kirby saying, “He’s been a great mentor to me and to others and is ideally suited to help lead the state Senate.”
In 2019, Kirby ran unopposed for re-election. Kirby graduated from La Salle University after attending Mississippi College. His professional experience includes owning Dean Kirby Insurance Agency since 1979.
Y’all Politics will have additional news on appointments as they are confirmed.
