Kentucky state representative Lamin Swann hospitalized

Kentucky Rep. Lamin Swann is in the hospital following a “significant medical emergency” Tuesday, his mother said in a statement.

“During this difficult time, those of us who love him dearly are requesting both prayers and privacy, and we will provide further updates once we know more about his recovery,” Pam Dixon said in a statement released to the news media Wednesday evening.

Swann, 45, has long been a civil-rights advocate and Democratic Party activist in the area.

Swann, a Lexington Democrat, was elected last year and sworn into the General Assembly this January. Swann represents the 93rd district, newly formed in Lexington following redistricting; he defeated Republican Kyle Whalen to secure the seat.

Messages of support quickly poured in for Swann’s recovery.

“Rep. Swann is a gentle soul, funny, and brilliant,” Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, tweeted. “Praying for healing energy.”

After being sworn in, Swann posted about visiting the Capitol as a child.

“I met the governor, Martha Layne Collins,” he wrote. “Who would have of told me, at 8 years old, 37 years later, I would have an office in the Capitol Annex as a State Representative?”

This story will be updated if more information becomes available.