Burton steps down from Senate leadership post

JACKSON (ASSOCIATED PRESS) – The president pro tempore of the Mississippi Senate is resigning his leadership role, weeks after being charged with second-offense drunken driving.

Republican Terry Burton of Newton announced his decision in a speech to colleagues Tuesday, moments after the beginning of the 2019 legislative session.

Burton says he will remain in the 52-member Senate this year but will not seek another four-year term in office.

His resignation as president pro tempore is effective at midnight Tuesday. Senators will choose another of their colleagues to be second in command, behind Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves.