Topeka ? Kansas Senate Majority Leader Jay Emler remains hospitalized because of high blood pressure.

Emler’s office confirmed Friday that he would not return to the Statehouse for the day’s business. It said he remains at an area hospital, but declined to identify which one, citing his need for privacy and rest.

The Lindsborg Republican has been absent from the Statehouse since Wednesday afternoon.

Emler, a 62-year-old attorney, was first elected to the Senate in 2000 and is serving his third term. He’s in his second year as majority leader. He previously served as chairman of the budget-writing Senate Ways and Means Committee.