Governor
The Governor is an open race. The Republican incumbent Asa Hutchinson is unable to run for re-election due to term limits. Hutchinson and Trump have often been at odds, with Trump having labeled him a RINO “Republican in Name Only” for having vetoed an anti-transgender law passed by the Republican-led State legislature (although he was later overruled by the legislature). Hutchinson is considering running for the presidency in 2024.
Republicans have contested (although the two stiffest contenders, Lt. Governor Tim Griffin and the state’s attorney Leslie Rutledge ended up dropping out of the primary to run for other state offices) the Governor primary but the clear winner is the Trump-backed Sarah Huckabee Sanders who is also the clear favourite to win it in the midterms.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders – R
⦁ First got into politics as a field coordinator for her father’s 2002 gubernatorial re-election in Arkansas.
⦁ Was a regional liaison for congressional affairs at the U.S. Department of Education.
⦁ Campaign Manager for Senator John Boozman in 2010.
⦁ Senior Advisor on Senator Tom Cotton’s campaign in 2014
⦁ Her father, Mike Huckabee, was formerly Governor of Arkansas.
⦁ Mike Huckabee has attempted to run for the presidency twice, once in 2008 (where she received particular praise for her father’s landslide upset in the Iowa caucuses) and then in 2016.
⦁ Following end of her father’s 2008 campaign she became the director of Huck PAC – a political action committee with the purpose of promoting conservative principles and helping to elect conservatives at every level of government.
⦁ Founded consulting firm Second Street Strategies in February 2016.
⦁ Senior Advisor on Donald Trump’s 2016 Presidential Campaign. Worked on several other Presidential campaigns previously.
⦁ Previously Donald Trump’s Deputy Press Secretary (2016-2017) and then his Press Secretary 2017-2019.
⦁ When she left the White House in 2019 Trump encouraged her to run for Governor in her home state of Arkansas.
⦁ Credibility questioned after the Robert Mueller report revealed Sanders admitted to making an unfounded claim to reporters about FBI agents’ reaction to the firing of James Comey.
⦁ Has said that Trump has the right to call the 2020 election stolen, but she cannot say how much fraud there was. She herself has stopped short of calling the election stolen unlike other Trump-backed candidates who have specifically run on and used the ‘issue’ in their campaigns for the Midterms.
⦁ Sanders said that she would have signed the anti-transgender bill that was passed by the Republican-led State legislature into law rather than veto it like Hutchinson did.
⦁ Hutchinson has nonetheless endorsed Sanders for Governor of Arkanses himself despite differences.
⦁ Sanders has run on a promise to phase out the state’s income tax.
⦁ If elected Sanders would be the first female Governor of Arkansas.
She will face Democratic challenger Chris Jones who easily advanced to the midterms in his primary without needing a runoff.
Chris Jones – D
⦁ MIT-educated in Nuclear engineering, Technology & Policy, and Urban Planning.
⦁ Ordained Baptist minister, and worked as a physician.
⦁ Originally wanted to become an astronaut after witnessing the Challenger explosion. Went on to accept full NASA scholarship, although deafness in one ear put him on a different path.
⦁ Headed the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub – a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs.
⦁ Launched their campaign with a video that went viral, contrasting with the rhetoric of Sanders.
⦁ Presents himself as a more unifying figure than Sanders.
⦁ If elected he would be the first African-American candidate in Arkansas to obtain statewide/federal office/be elected Governor of Arkansas.
⦁ Running on a theme of preschool, broadband and jobs – which he has dubbed “PB&J”.
⦁ Recognises growing disparities in Arkansas.
⦁ Wants to grow public educational opportunities in communities, strengthen infrastructure including roads and broadband access, protect and secure the right to vote, and bridge rural and urban divide.
Senate
Republican incumbent John Boozman was contested by others in his party but quite comfortably advanced without a runoff needed. He is the clear favourite to win in the midterms.
He has been endorsed by Donald Trump, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Tom Cotton. He has also been endorsed by anti-abortion organisations, namely Arkansas Right to Life and the National Right to Life Committee. Also endorsed by the National Rifle Association.
John Boozman – R Incumbent
⦁ Worked as an optometrist before political career. He had graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977.
⦁ Represented Arkansas’s 3rd Congressional District (2001-2011)
⦁ First elected Arkansas Senator in 2011 by defeating Democratic incumbent Blanche Lincoln who had held the position since 1999.
⦁ Usually votes with the Republican Party on the majority of bills.
⦁ Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee since 2021. Likely to become its Chairman if Republicans win control of the Senate.
⦁ Has highlighted Trump’s endorsement positively and talked of how he and Trump rebuilt the military, stood up for veterans, helped farmers through tough times, and confirmed three Justices to the US Supreme Court. This is in reference to how he voted in the Senate on such issues.
⦁ Boozman’s primary challengers, Bequette and Morgan, called him a RINO for siding with Biden too often and highlighted that Boozman did not challenge the outcome of the 2020 Presidential Election.
⦁ Voted against Trump conviction, American Rescue Plan Act 2021, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2022 Budget, and Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act. 117th Congress (not extensive list)
⦁ Voted in favour of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, and COVID-19 Hate Crime Act. 117th Congress (not extensive list)
He will face Democratic challenger Natalie James who also advanced without needing a runoff in her contested field. Just like with Chris Jones, if James were to win she would be the first African-American to be elected Senator in Arkansas and the first to hold federal/statewide office in Arkansas.
Natalie James – D
⦁ Majored in Biology at University of Arkansas.
⦁ Career experience includes executive customer relations at ALL-TEL, business consultant, realtor, small business owner of a cleaning company.
⦁ Mayor Frank Scott and City Directors appointed James as Land Bank Commissioner in Little Rock in 2020.
⦁ President of Little Rock Branch of NAACP appointed James as Chair of the Branch Political Action Committee in 2021. She has used it to defend against attacks on women’s healthcare, voting rights, LGBTQ people in Arkansas, small business owners and criminal justice reform.
⦁ Focus on improving healthcare, mental health, and access to basic education and jobs with a living wage to help reduce violent crime.
⦁ Also champions criminal justice reform, attempting to hold law enforcement officers accountable and trying to end qualified immunity, although has so far been unsuccesful.
⦁ Supports term limits for Senators.
US House
For the 1st Congressional District the Republican incumbent Rick Crawford was contested by others in their party but easily advanced without a runoff. He will face democratic challenger Monte Hodges who was unopposed in their own field.
Rick Crawford – R (Incumbent)
⦁ Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University (1996)
⦁ Served in US Army. Worked as news anchor, agriculture reporter, and marketing manager before getting into politics.
⦁ Represented the 1st CD since 2011.
⦁ Sat on the Committee on Agriculture, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence during the 116th Congress.
⦁ Usually votes the Republican line in Congress on majority of bills.
⦁ Endorsed Marco Rubio and then Donald Trump in 2016.
⦁ Voted against Trump impeachment; American Rescue Plan Act 2021; For The People Act 2021; American Dream and Promise Act 2021; Equality Act; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; Build Back Better Act; Women’s Health Protection Act 2021; and 2022 Budget in 117th Congress. (not extensive)
⦁ Voted for National Defense Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2022; SAFE Banking Act 2021; and COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. (not extensive).
⦁ Crawford voted against certifying the 2020 electoral votes from Pennsylvania and Arizona. He also voted against the Jan 6th attack Commission.
⦁ Has previously run on repealing and replacing healthcare reform; the Budget crisis over growing national debt; and for a comprehensive energy policy ensuring affordable energy for all Americans.
Monte Hodges – D
⦁ Bachelor of Science (business administration) from Arkansas State University (2009)
⦁ Has worked as a banker and Vice-President of commercial lending with Southern Bancorp.
⦁ Has represented District 55 in the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2013. Retired the seat to run for the 1st CD.
⦁ State legislative Committees he has sat on include House Insurance and Commerce; House Revenue and Taxation; Advanced Communications and Information Technology; Joint Budget.
⦁ Supports bringing in funding for infrastructure improvements.
⦁ If he won he would possibly be the first African-American elected to statewide/federal office in Arkansas.
⦁ An allegation surfaced that Hodges molested a child two decades ago, although Hodges says it is unsubstantiated and a false allegation and will continue his campaign. A 2003 police report concluded there was not enough evidence to bring charges. He was never arrested or charged.
For the 2nd Congressional District the Republican incumbent French Hill was contested by others in their party but avoided a runoff. They will face democratic challenger Quintessa Hathaway who was unopposed in their own field.
French Hill – R Incumbent
⦁ Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University. (1975)
⦁ Founded and led Delta Trust & Banking Corp which merged with Arkansas-based Simmons First National Corp.
⦁ Served in first Bush administration as senior official and deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury for corporate finance.
⦁ Served as Senior Advisor to Governor Mike Huckabee.
⦁ Has represented Arkansas’s 2nd CD since 2015.
⦁ Has sat on the Committee on Financial Services and been a ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy.
⦁ Voted for and against same things as Rick Crawford in 117th Congress, including against Trump impeachment. Voted in favour of Jan 6th Commission to investigate Capitol attack.
⦁ Has supported reducing taxes, reducing size of Government, and focused on economic growth.
⦁ Wants to work towards dissuading countries from economic cooperation with China. Wants to work towards improving ties with Russia, resolving conflicts in the Donbass and Syria, and keeping pressure on Putin and his regime via sanctions. (2020)
⦁ Wants increased security along Mexican border – a more complex solution that takes into account geography, traditions and the economy. This includes a wall, fencing, sophisticated technology, combined with robust customs and border patrol manpower. (2020)
⦁ Wants merit-based immigration system, improved VISA system, and establishment of employment verification systems. (2020)
⦁ Wants to strengthen social security but eliminate fraud and abuse in it. (2020)
Quintessa Hathaway – D
⦁ Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Jackson State University and master’s degree and doctorate in Education from Tennessee State University.
⦁ Founded and works as CEO and Lead Consultant of Q. Hathaway & Associates, LLC.
⦁ Possibly also be first African-American elected to statewide/federal office in Arkanses.
⦁ Supports funding and reforms to improve educational access, equality and graduation rates. Also supports Universal Pre-K from age 3.
⦁ Supports reforms to improve higher educational access, affordability, decrease disparities and improve support for students.
⦁ Supports policies to improve quality of life and advancement for citizens in urban areas, particularly those that are dilapidated.
⦁ Wants a ‘domestic industrial revolution’ to improve and maintain infrastructure in the US. This includes but not limited to drainage systems, high-speed transnational rail systems and expressway, 5-year-plan to improve national internet speeds, 10-year-plan to ground all electricity lines, re-implementation of net neutrality, improved cybersecurity.
⦁ Policies to fight poverty include promotion of dual-earner household incomes; raising living wage; support to small and medium sized enterprises; national pension program; reduce number of youths not in employment, education or training; targeting federal resources to poverty stricken areas; among much more.
⦁ Supports policies against large-capacity magazines, assault rifles, militarised local police forces, and supports educational and social programmes to reduce gun violence.
⦁ There are many, many more things on her campaign website.
For the 3rd Congressional District the Republican incumbent Steve Womack was contested by others in their party but easily advanced without a runoff. They will face the Democratic challenger Lauren Mallett-Hays who was unopposed in their own field.
Steve Womack – R Incumbent
⦁ Bachelor of Arts from Arkansas Tech University (1979).
⦁ Served in Arkansas Army National Guard (1979-2009).
⦁ Political career begun on Rogers City Council (1997-1998).
⦁ Was Mayor of Rogers (1999-2010).
⦁ Represented Arkansas’s 3rd CD since 2011.
⦁ Sits on House Committee on Appropriations and is a ranking member on its Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.
⦁ Was formerly a ranking member on the House Committee on Budget (2019-2020)
⦁ He votes with the Republican Party on the majority of bills in Congress. Voted for and against the same things as French Hill and Rick Crawford.
⦁ Has previously voiced support for reducing spending and producing real and sustainable entitlement reform when it comes to the budget. Has said that both finite and renewable energy sources should be explored and developed to reduce dependence on single source.
⦁ Believes the federal government needs to create a stable economic environment to encourage business to expand hiring. Believes a great debt is owed to veterans.
⦁ Although he did not vote to impeach Donald Trump, he did vote for the Jan 6th Commission to investigate the capitol attack.
⦁ Womack’s re-election campaign spokesman has said that the Congressman is focused on fighting socialist policies of the Left, which he says is bankrupting the Nation, stifling productivity, weakening national security, and holding America back.
Lauren Mallett-Hays – D
⦁ Degree in business administration from University of Central Arkansas. Master’s degree from University of North Texas.
⦁ Has worked as a speech and language pathologist, healthcare provider, and adjunct professor at University of Arkansas.
⦁ Supports healthcare reform to make it more affordable and equitable.
⦁ Supports more investment in public schools and policies for affordable higher education.
⦁ Supports increasing federal minimum wage and training workers for higher-skilled jobs of the future such as IT.
For the 4th Congressional District the Republican incumbent Bruce Westerman and the Democratic challenger John White were both unopposed in their own fields and will face each other in the Midterms.
Bruce Westerman – R Incumbent
⦁ Bachelor of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at University of Arkansas (1990).
⦁ Master’s Degree in Forestry from Yale University. (2001)
⦁ Worked as Plant Engineer and Engineer/Forester.
⦁ Member of Fountain Lake’s, Arkansas School Board (2006-2010)
⦁ Served in Arkansas’s House of Representatives for District 22 (2011-2015)
⦁ Became Arkansas’s House of Representatives Republican Majority Leader in 2013, the first since the Reconstruction Period.
⦁ Has represented Arkansas’s 4th CD since 2015.
⦁ Co-Founded the Working Forests Caucus.
⦁ Sits on Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
⦁ Voted against SAFE Banking Act of 2021 in 117th Congress, other than that voting pattern is same as other Republican Arkansas Congressman.
⦁ Voted against Trump impeachment and against the creation of the Jan 6th Commission to investigate the Capitol attack.
⦁ Although he signed the Texas amicus brief and promoted the possibility of fraud in the election at a low-level he still voted to certify the 2020 Electoral Votes.
⦁ Has previously voiced opposition to raising taxes and programs that redistribute wealth. See’s such policies as ‘easy way out’ compared to natural economic growth.
⦁ Supports having an educated work force to improve economy. Voiced disapointment at many in education having to leave State to find jobs.
John White – D
⦁ There is almost no information on this guy.
⦁ Only thing I could find was a picture of him wearing an orange Adidas hoody here.
⦁ Seems to have no campaign website, and nothing useful on his Ballotpedia profile.
⦁ If this guy somehow wins it would be a miracle.
⦁ Search results also confuse him with a John A. White who was once Chancellor of the University of Arkansas from 1997-2008. So if there is anything these articles will serve to further bury anything else on the John White running for the 4th CD.
⦁ Ironically, more information can be found on the Libertarian Party opponent Gregory Maxwell.
⦁ I sincerely do not understand why you would remain almost invisible if you are running for office.
⦁ Since he ran uncontested I cannot even gauge how many would know him based on votes he got. Was/is his campaign purely offline? Was/is there a campaign at all? Who knows. He does not seem to have any identifiable social media presence, unlike every other candidate I have gone over here.
⦁ You could perhaps argue since the seat is R+20 it’s not that big of a deal as Democrats will not win it anyway, but then again the 1st CD is R+21 and we still got some half-decent information on that Democratic candidate (although more would have been good but at least it’s not nothing)…
Anyway, thank you for reading. I hope you found this interesting, insightful, useful, or anything else. As I said I will be doing this more shorter blogposts (shorter he says, this blogpost feels normal sized to me) on the US Midterm Primaries during my free time as I get into my 10-week Programming Course which I shall largely be busy on.
I have held back my personal opinion as much as possible, although I really wanted to insert opinion at certain points… I want this to be as impartial as possible. My tangent on John White was purely frustration on lack of information and nothing personal or political.
Obviously incumbents will tend to have more relevant information available since… well… they’ve been doing things in office. It’s not favourtism is just the typical incumbent advantage of being publicly and politically active and visible at a higher level.
No, I also did not show favourtism to Quintessa Hathaway by linking to her campaign website, it’s literally that her campaign website was so extensive on policies and different areas that it would have been obnoxious to put it all in bullet points (and in all honesty the bullet points already look pretty obnoxious across this post), this post is meant to be kept simple.
Apologies for any poor formatting and spelling mistakes you have noticed… I typed this up hastily on Microsoft Wordpad… why did I do that instead of just using Microsoft Word Online? I guess I just enjoy torturing myself. 🙂
Hope you are enjoying the Jubilee weekend. The PLATINUM Jubilee… not Sapphire which I mistakenly called it in my previous Weekly Update post. Again… hastiness leads to mistakes during busy times, my bad.
Oh… and finally… don’t expect one of these posts each week because I probably literally will not have time. You’re also probably looking at this and wondering how monstrous State’s like Texas and California are going to look in this format… believe me I know and it scares me to. I’ll have to figure that out when and if the time comes. If – being since I don’t even know if I will end up finishing this series I hope to… but you know… time.
Okay I will stop rambling now, see you next time.
Sources
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16)
Thank you for reading this post, if you have any queries please Email me, you can find my Email in the Contacts & Community section. Please also follow The Weekly Rambler on Twitter, Reddit, Pinterest and Facebook which you can access through the buttons at the bottom of this website. You can also use the social media buttons under each blogpost to share with your family, friends and associates.
You can also subscribe to Email notifications at the right-side of this website to know whenever a new post goes up (you can easily unsubscribe from this at any time through a button in each Email notification), or alternatively you can use an RSS Feed Reader.