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COLUMBIA (WACH) - Election Day is shaking up seats at the Statehouse.

Incumbent Sen. Jake Knotts is among two longtime lawmakers finding themselves on the losing end of Wednesday's ticket.

In Lexington County, petition candidate Katrina Shealy defeated Knotts Tuesday.

"People were ready for a change. People were ready for something different, and I think its good people spoke," said Shealy.

Four years ago Shealy narrowly lost in the primary to Knotts. After being removed from this year's ticket, she went door-to-door gathering signatures to get back on the ballot as a petition candidate.

"When you go door-to-door and you touch that many people and they find out your a real person just like they are; that's what makes people realize you're just like them," said Shealy.

For Knotts, he is proud he has been able to work in public service for more than 50 years and says he has left the new senator in a good position to represent the country.

"I've done everything a senator and a public servant should do for you. I just want to say thank you, and I hope you understand that's what's  expected of a senator and demand that happens," said Knotts.

In Richland County, House representative Joan Brady was defeated by newcomer Beth Bernstein.

Bernstein, a lawyer, feels her message of bringing integrity back to state government, and being an outsider, were the keys to victory.

"I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and clean up corruption at the Statehouse," said Bernstein.

While the newcomers are on separate sides of the aisle, both have ethics reform at the top of their to do list. They hope new blood can help change the system.

"My message of ethics reform really resignated with the people of this community and this district. I'm an outsider and they're looking for new people to clean up the statehouse," said Bernstein.

Brady thanked supporters for the opportunity to serve in government for 16 years and says she is happy she was able to be part of making families safer and the economy stronger.

Bernstein and Shealy will be sworn-in in December.

While Knotts and Brady are out of a seat, they both plant to continue to be a voice for the community.