Senate President Ben Albritton continues to undergo treatment and observation for a blood clot in his lung, and he is leaving Tallahassee for the time being.

After the 57-year-old Wauchula Republican spent the night at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, he is being transferred to UF Health Shands in Gainesville for what a release from his office calls a “potential abnormality in the upper left portion of the President’s heart that requires additional testing and review” that was diagnosed at TMH.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the President will begin additional testing and observation from a multidisciplinary team at Shands Hospital in Gainesville later this evening. This information will help him determine a treatment plan moving forward,” the statement continues.

The timeline for his treatment is unknown, and plans have already been made for Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur to preside over Thursday’s floor session in the event Albritton cannot attend. Nevertheless, Albritton is still in constant communication with staff.

“The President and Mrs. Albritton are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support from hundreds of people across the state from both inside and outside of the political process. In addition, they are extremely grateful for the professionalism, care, and support they received from the medical staff at Tallahassee Memorial,” the statement adds.

Albritton was elected in 2018 in Senate District 26, but the district was redrawn and renumbered in 2022. Thanks to a draw in that process, he ended up in odd-numbered Senate District 27 in the 2022 campaign cycle. That meant he had to run again in 2024, but won election to a four-year term, giving him the opportunity to serve a full decade in the Senate.

He said during pre-Session meetings of county delegations that he likely was making his last round of those meetings. It’s unclear whether his medical condition would affect his decision-making for the two post-presidential years he can serve in the Senate.

Legislative colleagues and others in The Process are expressing well wishes upon hearing the news.

“Katie and I are praying that Sen. Albritton has a quick recovery. He’s a good man and a man of God,” said U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who served with Albritton in the Senate before being appointed to his current position, called the Senate President a “stalwart friend to farmers, ranchers, and all Floridians who wish to preserve Florida for future generations.”

“I wish him the best of health and hope that he’s back on his feet soon fighting for the conservative principles that make our state so great,” Collins said.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said he and his wife Jean “are praying hard for Senate President Albritton and Missy.”

He added that “Senator Albritton is a good friend and great leader—we wish him a strong and quick recovery.”

Sen. Carlos G. Smith is sending “love, positivity, and prayers to President Albritton.”

“We are grateful for the outstanding care he is receiving at Tallahassee Memorial and are wishing him a smooth and speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with him, Missy, and his family,” Smith added.

“Laura and I are keeping Senate President (Albritton) and his family in our prayers for a speedy recovery,” added state Rep. Tom Fabricio.

“Glad to see he is receiving medical care and look forward to his full recovery soon,” said former House Speaker and current candidate for Governor Paul Renner.

“We are praying for Senate President Ben Albritton and wishing him a swift and full recovery. We are grateful for his dedicated service to the State of Florida and confident in his strength as he continues to lead us into a successful session,” the Republican Party of Florida said. 

“Praying for President Albritton’s recovery. Glad he went to the hospital when he experienced chest pain,” said Alan Levine, the Vice Chair of the Florida Board of Governors.

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Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics contributed to this report.