State Representative Mark Pody said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of DeKalb County and the 17th District as their new State Senator.
Pody, a Republican, was elected in a close race Tuesday over Democrat Mary Alice Carfi to fill the remaining year of former State Senator Mae Beavers’ unexpired term. She gave up her seat to run full time for Governor next year.
Pody contacted WJLE by phone Tuesday night after the election results came in to thank the voters for their support.
“I am so proud of the district and I am grateful and honored for all the votes we received. Anytime somebody runs and puts their name in the hat to run against anybody it’s a good thing. That way voters have a choice and ideas can be clearly heard. I am grateful for the campaign that we ran and especially grateful for the result,” he said.
Pody now plans to resign his House seat in District 46 as he prepares to move to the State Senate.
“In the morning (Wednesday) I will officially resign from the State House of Representatives in District 46. The Governor will have my resignation on his desk in the morning (Wednesday) and the Speaker of the House will have it on her desk and I’ll officially take office as a Senator. They have to first go through all those official things like certifying the votes and things like that,” said Pody.
Pody, a Wilson County resident, said the Wilson County Commission will appoint someone to fill his unexpired term in the State House. There is still about a year left in the term.
Pody plans to seek a full four year term in the State Senate in 2018. The state primaries will be held in August with the Tennessee General Election to follow in November, 2018.
Meanwhile, Carfi also contacted WJLE Tuesday night after the results came in to thank her supporters.
“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and spent countless hours knocking on doors, making phone calls, writing post cards, and really welcoming me into the community. I am so proud of everyone who helped with my campaign and I am so appreciative for all your work that was done on my behalf. We may not have accomplished what we were seeking but that doesn’t mean that we give up our work to improve the lives of people in District 17 and in Tennessee. I am committed to working on your behalf to make sure that everyone has access to affordable health care, better paying jobs, and a quality education for our children regardless of their zip code. Thank you again for your votes and your hard work. We may not have won but I think we ran a very respectable race and we showed that Tennessee and Democrats will be working hard in 2018 to make sure that we have elected officials who are willing to fight for the people regardless of their party affiliation,” she said.
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