Mayor Weiss Honors Rep. Mary Littleton for 14 Years of Service to District 78

Dickson, TN — At a recent Chamber of Commerce event, city of Dickson leaders paused from regular business to recognize the public service of Mary Littleton, who recently announced she will not seek reelection to the 78th District seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

The moment, which occurred near the close of the meeting, was marked by gratitude and a formal proclamation from the City of Dickson honoring Littleton’s 14 years of legislative service.

“In the Best Interest of the Citizens”

City leadership emphasized the importance of cooperation between local and state government.

“It is always in the best interest of the citizens when all levels of government can work together,” the mayor said. “We've been fortunate over the years to have state legislators with connections to Dickson or Dickson County who we could call on and know that they were going to respond to us.”

That relationship, city officials noted, has been especially valuable when navigating funding requests, state-level policy questions, and local legislative priorities.

“One such legislator has chosen to end her public service this year,” the mayor continued.

Fourteen Years Representing District 78

Littleton was first elected in 2012 and has represented District 78 for the past 14 years. The district includes the eastern half of Dickson County and all of Cheatham County.

During her tenure, she became known locally as an accessible representative willing to respond directly to city concerns.

“Mary has been a very good friend to the city of Dickson, responding to all of our calls and always willing to take on any issue we would bring to her,” the mayor said.

She will conclude her legislative service at the end of the current General Assembly session.

“She will be leaving the legislature at the end of the current session and we will miss her representing us in the General Assembly.”

A Proclamation of Appreciation

City officials had hoped to surprise Littleton by presenting the proclamation in person. However, she was in Nashville for legislative business that morning.

“We were hoping to have Mary here this morning and kind of keep it under wraps, but she had a meeting in Nashville,” the mayor said.

The proclamation, approved by the city, formally thanks Littleton for her years of service to Dickson and the broader region. Officials confirmed it will be delivered to her directly.

“We certainly appreciate all Mary did for our city and the county throughout her service at the legislature.”

The Race to Replace Her

Littleton’s retirement sets the stage for a competitive open seat in District 78.

So far, two candidates have publicly declared their intention to run for the seat: Perry Keenan and John Louallen.

Voters interested in learning more about these two candidates can visit:

• Perry Keenan: https://www.vote4perry.com/

• John Louallen: https://votejohnlouallen.com/

With the seat open for the first time in over a decade, more candidates could emerge, and the coming months are expected to bring increased interest and campaign activity as candidates outline their vision for the district.

For Dickson and Cheatham County voters, the transition marks the end of a 14-year legislative era — and the beginning of a new chapter in representation at the state level.