In a year dotted with Democratic Party retirements from public office, here’s one from the other side of the aisle: Sen. Mike Faulk, a Church Hill attorney who defeated former independent Sen. (now Union County Mayor) Micheal Williams of Maynardville in 2008, will not run for office this year in District 8 (currently numbered as District 4, but will be the 8th as of redistricting).

The reason is a sad one: Faulk’s mother is gravely ill. Here is the senator’s press release:

Senator Mike Faulk announced today during one of his Student Town Hall meetings that he will not be a candidate for reelection to the State Senate.

“My ailing mother and my business need me more than the Senate needs me. Most folks understand the need to care for a gravely ill parent.,” Faulk said. “Being at her side is a higher priority of mine than campaigning for reelection for the next 8 months.”

In regard to his business, Faulk added: “For the past three years, having time to work in my business after first doing my Senate responsibilities has been a struggle. As a solo attorney, I need to work much, much more over the next four years to keep my business going.”

Faulk also noted his term-limits pledge was a part of his decision. “As Candidate Faulk, I told folks I’d serve a term or two. I’ll be keeping that promise by becoming Citizen Faulk,” said the Senator.

“Serving in the State Senate has been the highest honor of
my lifetime. Every single day I’ve learned something new about the special privilege I’ve been given. I will be eternally grateful for that privilege,” Senator Faulk added.