LISA HOBBS – News Editor
Tennessee House District 43 Representative Paul Sherrell received double the votes of his opponent, Samantha Petit.
Warren County Election Commission reported that Sherrell received 4,350 votes to Petit’s 2,732. According to White County Election Commission’s online results, Sherrell received 5,617 votes to Petit’s 2,097.
On his Facebook page, Sherrell posted, “To the citizens of Tennessee House District 43, I would like to say THANK YOU for support and vote! I look forward to serving you for the next two years!”
Petit’s online post:
“Today, my heart is full of many emotions. Disappointment, certainly. But more than anything, gratitude.
“When I decided to run for the Tennessee House of Representatives, I knew the road wouldn’t be easy. I knew there would be challenges, criticism, and moments that would test my faith. What I didn’t know was just how many wonderful people God would place along my path.
“From the very beginning, I chose the color purple for my campaign. Not because it was politically convenient, but because I believed in what it represented.
“Red and blue came together.
“Not as Republicans or Democrats, but as neighbors. As Tennesseans. As people who love their families, work hard, worry about the future, and want something better for the next generations.
“I still believe that.
“I believe we have far more in common than the political world would have us believe. I believe kindness is not weakness, compassion is not a partisan value, and loving your neighbor should never depend on how they vote.
“And I believe that now more than ever.
“My faith has always been the foundation of who I am. Throughout this campaign, I have prayed for wisdom, strength, and the grace to walk this journey with humility. And while the outcome was not what I hoped for, I trust that God’s plans are greater than my own.
“God’s grace is not measured by whether we win or lose. Sometimes His greatest blessings are found in the people we meet, the lessons we learn, and the courage we discover along the way.
“To every person who knocked on a door, shared a post, donated, offered encouragement, prayed for me, or simply took the time to listen – thank you. You gave me something far more meaningful than a vote. You gave me your trust, your time, and your friendship. I will never take that lightly.
“To those who didn’t vote for me, I want you to know something, too. You are still my neighbor. Your family matters just as much as mine. Your struggles deserve to be heard. And I will always believe that we can disagree without losing our humanity.
“I entered this race believing that public service should be about people, not politics. That belief hasn’t changed.
“An election has a winner and a loser. But our communities should never have to lose because of the divisions between us.
“I congratulate Representative Sherrell on his victory, and I sincerely hope that the next two years bring meaningful progress for the people of Warren and White Counties. Because at the end of the day, that is what matters.
“I may not have won this election, but I have gained friendships, experiences, and a deeper understanding of the people and communities I love so dearly.
“And I have no regrets about standing up for what I believe.
“Purple was never just a campaign color. It was a promise to see people before politics, to choose grace over bitterness, and to remember that we belong to one another, even when we disagree.
“That promise doesn’t end with an election.
“As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that God’s timing is not always our timing, and His plans are not always the ones we would have written for ourselves.
“I don’t know exactly what the next chapter holds, and for now, I’m at peace with that. There is still work to be done, still good to be found, and still so much worth believing in.
“Some chapters don’t end the way we hoped. But that doesn’t mean the story is over.
“My faith is steady. My gratitude is immeasurable. And my love for this community is unchanged.”
Petit did confirm with Warren County Way that she does plan to seek office again.