Monica Mowdy

Monica Mowdy earned a high school diploma from Tulsa Union High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University in 1983 and a degree from the Asbury Theological Seminary in 2008. Her career experience includes working in the clergy.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Monica has called Tennessee home for nearly 30 years, most of which she's spent right here in Cumberland County. She and her family live in the middle of town with her husband, Joe, and their son Dakota, a student at Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Their other son, Dylan, lives in the Breckinridge area of the county. They have two daughters: Jill and her family in Gallatin, and Alli and her family in Nolensville.

Monica has been a public school teacher and teacher trainer, and a political advocate for early care and education. In 2004, she answered the call to ministry in the United Methodist Church. She has served three churches in the Cumberland County area: Homestead UMC, Grassy Cove UMC, and Dorton UMC.

Monica is currently the pastor for WellSpring UMC here in Cumberland County, a gathering of small worship groups. She can also be found preaching for The Vine UMC, an online worship platform.

She is for You. She is for Tennessee.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Quality education is critical to the continued development of any community and the sustainability of a state’s economy and way of life. We must put financial support of education as a number one priority. Attacks to our budget, especial through the private school voucher program threatens education in Tennessee and must be repealed. Legislation like the third grade retention law is harmful and needs to repealed as well. Protection for our relented teachers through pay and benefits is critical as we face a house that is threatening to change teacher qualifications to a two year degree.The Tennessee Economy is in a perilous position. Our current super majority has opined and pasted many of the federal government’s financial and funding strategies. Many state legislative moves have been efforts to begin to defund many of our social programs to help others.

Tennessee state and many of its counties, including the counties in District 25 rely on regressive taxes; sales tax, gas tax and property tax. The strategy to keep property taxes low for land owners while raising sales tax to a near sustainable level must be challenged. This tax structure harms the middle income and the working class poor while supporting wealthy land owners. High groceries, fuel, and housing with low wages, must be addressed.We need to equalize access for healthcare across the state. Women should have the same equality men have to make health decisions for theirselves without government intervention.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about policies that do harm. Any policy creating harm for any demographic must be addressed; children, immigrants, foster children and elderly to name a few.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, Tennessee College Democrats and ChangeTN.