Joan Carter was appointed by a unanimous vote on Wednesday to serve as the State Representative for the 29th District, replacing her late husband Rep. Mike Carter.
While the business of the Tennessee General Assembly has concluded for the year, the appointment serves as an honor to the late representative and will allow Carter to carry on the legacy of her husband. She will serve as the state representative for the area on an interim basis, until the conclusion of the special election with the primary election being scheduled for July 27 and the general for September 14.
Rep. Mike Carter (R-Ooltewah) passed away last month following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His term, which the special election is scheduled to fill, lasts until November 2022.
Joan Carter was deeply appreciative of the move made by the Hamilton County Commission. During the meeting, she said, “Thank you commission for this honor. I consider this a true tribute to Mike’s legacy.” She continued, “When you’re together as long as Mike and I were, you really grow together.”
Many elected officials at different levels celebrated the move made to appoint her on an interim basis.
Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), in a tweet, said, “The Carter family is synonymous with public service, and we are grateful that Joan has answered the call of public service. We’re continuing to pray for you and your family.”
The Carter family is synonymous with public service, and we are grateful that Joan has answered the call of public service. We're continuing to pray for you and your family.
— Bill Hagerty (@BillHagertyTN) June 9, 2021
“Joan is a great friend and is a tremendous Hamilton County leader in her own right. There is no one better to carry on Mike’s legacy,” added Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03).
Joan is a great friend and is a tremendous Hamilton County leader in her own right. There is no one better to carry on Mike's legacy. https://t.co/qRInkyy8ax
— Chuck Fleischmann (@chuck4congress) June 9, 2021
Finally, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett congratulated the new member of the Tennessee House of Representatives saying, “Congratulations Rep. Carter. We look forward to supporting you and your constituents.”
Congratulations Rep. Carter. We look forward to supporting you and your constituents. https://t.co/4RKp2yTzU7
— Tre Hargett (@tnsecofstate) June 9, 2021
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Joan Carter” by Mike Carter.
I am sorry for her loss. But, frankly, her appointment is inappropriate and a poor reflection on the Hamilton County Commission.