how about now

app.py

@@ -111,18 +111,19 @@ elif st.session_state.selected_command == "control/gripper":
 	speed = st.slider("Speed", 1, 100, 50)
 	args = {"gripper_value": gripper_value, "speed": speed}
 
+if "client" not in st.session_state:
+	st.session_state.client = create_paho_client()
+	setup_paho_client(
+		st.session_state.client,
+		HIVEMQ_USERNAME,
+		HIVEMQ_PASSWORD,
+		HIVEMQ_HOST,
+		PORT,
+		DEVICE_ID
+	)
+
 with st.form("mqtt_form"):
 	if st.form_submit_button("Send Command"):
-		if "client" not in st.session_state:
-			st.session_state.client = create_paho_client()
-			setup_paho_client(
-				st.session_state.client,
-				HIVEMQ_USERNAME,
-				HIVEMQ_PASSWORD,
-				HIVEMQ_HOST,
-				PORT,
-				DEVICE_ID
-			)
 
 		payload = {"command": st.session_state.selected_command, "args": args}
 		st.markdown("### Payload")