NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Republican State Rep. Mary Littleton will retire from public office at the end of her term, she has announced.

Littleton, who has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2013, announced her decision Tuesday through a press release, citing conversations with family and her doctors.

She currently represents District 78 in the Tennessee General Assembly, where she has served Cheatham and Dickson counties since 2012.

"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 in her announcement. "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."

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.

According to the Tennessee House of Representatives, Littleton passed one of the nation's first laws allowing for the termination of parental rights if a parent is convicted of sex trafficking their own child while she was a freshman legislator.

Recently, Littleton advanced the creation of the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission, an idea she's reportedly been working on since 2022. The commission reviews critical juvenile cases and recommends legislative or policy changes to improve the system, per the House.

During her tenure in the general assembly, Littleton served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Second Look Commission, Human Trafficking Advisory Council, the 23rd Judicial District Child Advocacy Board and the Domestic Violence State Coordinating Council.

Her awards during her legislative career include the 2023 Legislative Champion for Adoption and Foster Care from the Adoption Project; Champion for Children Award from Court Appointed Special Advocates of Dickson County in 2016, and the 2024 Legislator of the Year award from the Tennessee Republican Party.

Littleton will continue to serve out the remainder of her term, which expires in 2026. The 114th Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes Jan. 13, 2026.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-politics/state-rep-mary-littleton-retiring-at-the-end-of-her-term/