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Mark Pody
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Mark Pody is a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate representing District 17, having assumed office on January 9, 2018 12. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 1. In the 2026 election cycle, Pody is seeking re-election to the Tennessee State Senate for District 17 and is listed as a candidate on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 17.
During the 2026 legislative session, Pody exerted control over various state matters before the General Assembly adjourned to allow lawmakers to raise funds and campaign for reelection 5. In May 2026, he stated that he would not be introducing legislation to criminalize women for seeking abortion procedures 5. Additionally, Pody was appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing, where he was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel within the organization 9.
Background and education
Mark Allen Pody was born on April 23, 1956, in Spokane, Washington 2. He resides in Lebanon, Tennessee 3. Pody is married to Barbara Lynne Pody 2.
Specific details regarding his upbringing, religious affiliation, and the schools he attended or degrees he earned are not provided in the available sources.
Career
Mark Pody has worked as an insurance producer and owned a financial planning and insurance firm 12. He self-describes as a small business owner who has consistently stood against government overreach 6.
Pody served in the Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, where he was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel 9. He was appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing to strengthen connections between volunteer service and state government 9.
Office history
Mark Pody served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from District 46 from January 11, 2011, to January 9, 2018 24. He succeeded Stratton Bone, Jr. in that role and was succeeded by Clark Boyd 2.
Pody assumed office in the Tennessee State Senate representing District 17 on January 9, 2018, succeeding Mae Beavers 2. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 1. During the 2023–2024 legislative session, he served as the Second Vice Chair of the State & Local Government Committee and was a member of the Senate Education Committee 1.
Prior to his election to the Senate, Pody ran in a special election for District 17 after Mae Beavers resigned in August to pursue a gubernatorial campaign 11. In that race, he defeated Democratic candidate Mary Alice Carfi by 308 votes (5,990 to 5,682) 11.
Pody is currently running for re-election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 17 1. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 1.
Legislative record and accomplishments
Mark Pody has served in the Tennessee State Senate since January 9, 2018, representing District 17 1. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 46th district from January 11, 2011, until January 9, 2018 2. He assumed the Senate seat following a special election victory over Democratic candidate Mary Alice Carfi by 308 votes (5,990 to 5,682), succeeding Mae Beavers who resigned from the position 11.
During the 2023-2024 legislative session, Pody held assignments on the Senate Education Committee and served as Second Vice Chair of the State & Local Government Committee 1. His legislative portfolio has included involvement with several significant bills, such as SB 16/HB 1 (Tennessee Sports Gaming Act), SB 1257/HB 1029 (Human Life Protection Act), and SB 2196/HB 2263 (Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill) 8. In the 2026 session, Pody stated he would not be introducing legislation to criminalize women for seeking abortion procedures 5.
Pody’s policy positions emphasize conservative fiscal policies and limiting the size and scope of government, arguing that many initiatives are best handled by individuals, churches, and non-profits rather than the state 10. He has also been active in civic organizations, notably being appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing, where he was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel 9.
Business interests and wealth source
Mark Pody has identified himself as a small business owner and insurance producer 26. His professional background includes ownership of a financial planning and insurance firm 1. He also operated an insurance agency 10.
Pody self-describes his career focus as fighting for smaller government and standing against government overreach through his business experience 6. Specific details regarding the size of his wealth, precise ownership stakes in his businesses, or the sale of any companies are not provided in the available sources.
Family
Mark Pody is married to Barbara Lynne Pody 2. The couple has two children 3.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Pody”, and submit.
- County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Pody”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Pody”and, if needed, select the applicable position.