Rep. Mary Littleton to retire after 14 years of dedicated public service

State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, recently announced she will not seek another term representing District 78 in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2026. She has represented Cheatham and Dickson counties since 2012. 

Throughout her tenure in public service, Littleton has been a staunch advocate for Tennessee's most vulnerable, passing numerous laws aimed at supporting victims of child abuse and domestic violence, ending human trafficking and improving outcomes for children in foster care.

"After thoughtful conversations with my family and doctors, I've made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from public service at the end of my term," Littleton said. "It's been a true blessing to represent Cheatham and Dickson counties and one of the greatest honors of my life to serve. I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished together to make Tennessee a safer, healthier state for children and families. I look forward to spending more time with my grandchildren and staying connected to the community I love." 

Notably, as a freshman legislator, Littleton passed one of the nation's first laws allowing the termination of parental rights when a parent is convicted of sex trafficking their own child. Since then, she has successfully passed dozens of laws supporting victims of crime and strengthening penalties for violent offenders.

Littleton in 2018 led efforts to address the state's growing fentanyl crisis with legislation that expanded the definition of second-degree murder to include deaths caused by illegal distribution of the drug and other opioids, either alone or with other controlled substances. 

Most recently, she championed the creation of the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission, an idea she had been working on since 2022. The 20-member commission reviews critical juvenile cases and recommends legislative or policy changes to improve the system.

Littleton has served as chair of the House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee since 2019, overseeing all legislation related to child custody, domestic violence, juvenile crime, foster care and other related topics.  

She has also served on several boards and commissions, including the Second Look Commission, Human Trafficking Advisory Council, the 23^rd Judicial District Child Advocacy Board and the Domestic Violence State Coordinating Council, where she listened to survivors' stories and collaborated with legal professionals to help shape and advance legislation.   Additionally, she serves on the board of Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Tennessee.  

During her time in the State House, Littleton received numerous honors, including the 2023 Legislative Champion for Adoption and Foster Care from the Adoption Project, Champion for Children award from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Dickson County in 2016, and the 2024 Legislator of the Year award from the Tennessee Republican Party.

Littleton will continue to serve through the remainder of her term. The 114^th Tennessee General Assembly will reconvene Jan. 13.