The Gist
State Senator, 17th District
Photo of Mark Pody
Mark PodyOfficial portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Mark Pody

Candidate for State Senator, 17th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State senator; insurance and financial planning
Lives in
Lebanon
Campaign website
markpody.com

State senator for District 17 since the 110th General Assembly (2017-2018), after serving in the House (107th-110th). Works in insurance and financial planning and chairs the Tennessee Legislative Prayer Caucus.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Documented positions

Public safety

  • Sponsored license denials for entities supporting terrorist groups.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB1956 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted; took effect April 27, 2026.

    Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Pody, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB1956 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “prohibits a state agency from issuing or renewing a certification, registration, license, or permit to a corporate entity”
    Report

Education

  • Sponsored law allowing school boards to open meetings with prayer.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB1957 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted as the "Tennessee Religious Freedom Act"; takes effect July 1, 2026. Participation cannot be required.

    Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Pody, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB1957 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “authorizes a local board of education to open a meeting of the board with a prayer led by a member of the board”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Sponsored limits on the governor's emergency powers.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB0027 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted; took effect April 8, 2025.

    Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Pody, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB0027 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “issued by the governor under the governor's emergency management powers from contravening, suspending, or conflicting with a provision of the Tennessee Constitution”
    Report

  • Sponsored law saying artificial intelligence is not a legal person.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB0837 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted; took effect April 23, 2026.

    Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Pody, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB0837 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “clarifies that a "person," as used in Tennessee Code Annotated, does not include artificial intelligence”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Mark Pody on them.

  • Taxes & budgetNo documented position found.
  • Economy & jobsNo documented position found.
  • Environment & parksNo documented position found.

All sources (7)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.

Mark Pody for State Senator, 17th District, Tennessee · The Gist