The first Washington County Democrats meeting I attended was on March 20th. The reason I attended was because I fear the dangerous, suppressive, and possibly irreversible direction our country is moving in.  My intention was to sit in the back and listen. I heard chairperson Lou Sharp mention the state convention was coming up in June and that Washington County could send 50+ delegates. Then I thought I heard her say something to the 
effect that she hoped we had a good representation, as if there may not be enough people applying. That thought kept popping up in my mind and I thought I would hate for Washington County not have full representation, so on April 3rd, right before the deadline, I decided to submit the form. My full expectation was that I had misunderstood
and would graciously withdraw my name at the next meeting because I certainly did not want to be selected over someone who had been a longtime active member of the group. Then I received an email from Gracie Ziegler stating I was confirmed to be a delegate to the convention. Once again, I was thinking that must be a mistake, but not 20 minutes later, I receive the email that listed the delegates and by golly there was my
name. Yikes! What had I gotten myself into?  

Having said that, I was thrilled! I am one of six children from a fourth-generation agriculture farm family in Northeast Arkansas where I attended Walnut Ridge Public Schools. Four of my siblings and I attended the University of Arkansas (one betrayed us and attended NYU) and I graduated in 1982 with a degree in Public  Administration. While attending the University, I participated in many organizations including being a representative in the Associated Student
Government. My most memorable college experience was serving as a United States Congressional Intern for then-Congressman Bill Alexander in Washington, D.C. 

Since graduating, I have lived in Little Rock, Mobile, AL, Mandeville, LA and in 1993 I had the opportunity to move back to Fayetteville. Most of my work experience has been in the field of accounting and I am currently working for a family in the new home construction industry with five locations in TX as well as the office in Springdale where the Corporate Accounting Department is located. I have two grown children and hope to one day have grandchildren.

Hello! I'm Amanda Ashley, a marketing and communications professional with a rich background in creating impactful campaigns and fostering community engagement. Since moving to Fayetteville in 2005, I've utilized my expertise in digital marketing, social media management, and public relations to not only promote businesses but also to amplify community voices and initiatives.

My career, particularly in the realms of local media and real estate marketing, has equipped me with a unique perspective on the needs and aspirations of Fayetteville and NWA residents. I've been deeply involved in crafting messages and strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, a skill crucial for addressing the wide-ranging concerns of our community.

As a proud parent and supporter of our local school district, living in West Fayetteville (Go Hornets and Huskies!), I'm passionate about education and community development. These experiences have fueled my commitment to advocating for policies that ensure prosperity and inclusivity in our community.

Representing the Democratic Party, I aim to leverage my professional background to champion the values of equality, opportunity, and growth for all Arkansans.

I’m Richard R Billingsley, a community activist for green public transportation and livable cities.  Public policies I support besides green mass transit are securing a woman’s (and some men who may have female reproductive organs) right to health care, including abortion. I support Tenet’s rights, paid family leave, free breakfast and lunch in public schools, public money spent in public schools, criminal justice reform, full-time fast frequent bus service throughout NWA, and passenger rail, including Amtrak in NWA. Plus, there are almost too many other policies to count. I support bringing microchip manufacturing jobs to Arkansas, as well as other high-paying, high-tech jobs. I support the arts in Arkansas. The foreign policy I support is to stop financing Israel’s military until there is a ceasefire. And we must hold Hamas responsible for their war crimes, too. I support NATO, helping Ukraine, and more involvement in Africa in terms of development and peace initiatives. We can help the world transition to clean energy starting here at home in the USA.

If selected, I will support all of the Arkansas Democratic candidates. I will make all Arkansans proud of my representation in the State and National Conventions. Let's put Arkansas Back on Track. 

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Y'all Aboard,

Richard R Billingsley

No picture or bio was submitted at the time of publication.

No picture or bio was submitted at the time of publication.

Billy Cook resides in District 19 and works tirelessly for Arkansas Renters United, advocating for solutions to the housing crisis. Raised in Northwest Arkansas, Cook was brought up by grandparents after a tragic car wreck impacted his parents, instilling in him values of hard work and frugality. Despite witnessing firsthand the failures of state systems, Cook's resolve only strengthened.

Throughout high school, Cook led the Quiz Bowl team and co-founded a bipartisan political club. His volunteer work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, included operating a food pantry and leading an Eviction Intervention program that prevented nearly 1,100 evictions, showcasing his commitment to community service and leadership.

Cook's professional and volunteer experiences have deeply informed his decision to run for a seat at the State House, driven by a desire to represent the interests of the people over corporations and special interests. His dedication to serving the Northwest Arkansas community, particularly in advocating for renters' rights and tackling the housing crisis, underscores his commitment to public service.

Living in Fayetteville, within the vibrant District 19, Cook appreciates the area's thriving community and is determined to address the challenges of inflation and unaffordable living costs for its residents. Despite recognizing the competitiveness of the seat, Cook is committed to being a true public servant for Arkansans, advocating for policies that support working families and striving for leadership that can navigate the challenges faced by District 19 and the state.

I am the son of an immigrant mom from Central America who has an eighth-grade education and a father who served three combat tours in Vietnam as a Marine machine gunner where he developed PTSD and an addiction to drugs and alcohol. I grew up in extreme poverty, with frequent food insecurity and homelessness. From age 10 until I graduated from high school and shipped off to Marine boot camp at 17, I was a ward of the state living in various group and foster homes. As a kid, I relied on food stamps, government housing, welfare, Medicaid, and other forms of government assistance. I am a product of excellent public schools.

I earned my undergraduate and master's degrees from Harding University. After certifying to teach, I was a public school teacher for six years, finishing up at Little Rock Central High. For two decades after that, I served as a diplomat representing the United States in the UK, Nicaragua, Mexico (twice), Afghanistan, New Zealand, Samoa, Honduras, and based in Washington DC. I returned home to Arkansas in 2021, settling in Fayetteville. I created a business that has staffed some 2,000 legal Honduran workers in good-paying seasonal positions across the United States with the goal of transforming families and communities from generations of poverty through legal pathways. As a Marine, I served in combat as a machine gunner in the Persian Gulf War. I also served as an officer in the Navy Reserve for a decade. 

I knew I was a Democrat from my earliest days. In the 6th grade in 1980, I was assigned to represent Ronald Reagan in a mock debate. I didn't prepare and just gave my own answers, which proved to be quite different from his policies. In college, I started the Young Democrats chapter at Harding University and served on the White County Democratic Central Committee. I also later served on the executive committee of the Arkansas Democratic Party, as a Bill Clinton delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention, as treasurer for YDs of Arkansas, as campaign manager for various Democratic candidates, as the Veterans Director for Al Gore's Arkansas campaign, and as an active volunteer for many Democrats as well as for the local and state party. After I returned to Arkansas following my career with the State Department, I volunteered for Lisa Parks' campaign and now serve as vice chair of the Washington County Democratic committee and on the state committee.

My politics stem from a deep desire for justice and opportunity for all Arkansans and Americans. I want every kid to enjoy the opportunities I've had and bullies and bigots make me angry. My commitment is to channel those values to serve others and support the Democratic Party in every way I can.

Amanda Foster, a dedicated community member and a proud graduate of Farmington High School, class of 2007, is running for Justice of the Peace in District 10, which encompasses Farmington and West Fayetteville. Amanda's roots in the area run deep, making her commitment to the community both personal and passionate. Residing in Farmington with her husband Blake and their two children, Rilynn and Hayden, Amanda embodies the spirit of family and community. 

Amanda's academic journey led her to the University of Arkansas, where she pursued a degree in Agriculture Business, complemented by a minor in Communications. Post-graduation, she embarked on a career in the banking sector, demonstrating her expertise and dedication as a Mortgage Underwriter for Arvest. Beyond her professional pursuits, Amanda dedicates her time to volunteering with the Washington County Search and Rescue K-9 team alongside her dog, Kiya, showcasing her commitment to serving and safeguarding the community.

I started my business career as an Oncology Nurse Practitioner. I am a small business owner and partner in several Fayetteville restaurants, including the Farmer’s Table, Brick House Kitchen, and Noodles. I’m an owner of rental property throughout Washington County. I know the struggles of small businesses and startup companies. 

I’ve been involved in our local and regional community with roles in several nonprofits such as Feed Fayetteville, an organization I helped found to promote access to healthy foods and nutritional education, and LifeStyles, an organization providing opportunities to individuals with disabilities to participate and contribute to their community. I’ve served as a board member for the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, UAMS Rockefeller Cancer Institute, UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute, and I am the current chair of the Washington Regional Medical Center Foundation.

I raised two incredible young men (Adam and Wesley, both Fayetteville High graduates) with my husband Hershey of nearly forty years. Together, we’ve made District 20 our home by pouring our hearts and souls into local organizations, events, charities, and campaigns.

I am honored to have been able to serve my fellow Arkansans.
I look forward to becoming your voice as
Representative in District 20

No picture or bio was submitted at the time of publication.

Hershel Hartford, a resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas, has dedicated his life to serving his community and advocating for social justice. With a passion for making a positive impact, Hershel has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment to creating a better future for all.

Hershel grew up in a variety of places as his father was in the military and then entered the high tech industry which requires a lot of moving. Graduating from Longmont High in 1982 He studied Music Performance at Central Methodist University in Fayette,MO. Later He served as a Choir Director in the Episcopal Church, and continued his work in Churches in Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas from 1986 -2007. He moved to Fayetteville in 2002 when he joined the staff of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, later Serving as the Canon Missioner for Young Adult/ College Ministry for the Diocese of Arkansas as Chaplain at St. Martins University Center. In 2007 he joined the staff at the University of Arkansas as Office manager and Assistant to the Chair of the Department of Communication where he remains today..

Hershel is dedicated to promoting equality, understanding and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. In his time at the U of A he has served in several advisory roles of student organizations such as Alpha Phi Omega, Beta Rho Chapter, a National Service Fraternity, The MOrtar Board Society, and , Hershel currently serves as the president of the UA-Fayetteville Education Association President which led the most recent effort to stop the potential outsourcing of custodial and grounds jobs at the U of A

Hershel was recently named to the Fayetteville City Alternate Transportation board serving as the ADA delegate, his work will continue his efforts to bring awareness to the importance of our city becoming not just ADA Compliant but ADA Friendly for our citizens and visitors.

Hershel’s dedication to social justice and community development has made a lasting impact on Fayetteville and beyond. His unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable society has inspired individuals and organizations to join the fight for positive change.

Sonia (Gutierrez) Harvey completed a Bachelor of Science in microbiology in 1996, and a Bachelor of Art in graphic design in 1998, from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. While an undergraduate, she studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain and attended the Universidad de Salamanca to study art history and graphic design with a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. In 2002, she completed a Master of Fine Art in Design and Technology at Parsons School of Design in New York, New York. In 2003, she returned to Fayetteville and founded New Design School in 2006 and Atelier NDS in 2007. In May 2009, she was invited by Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan to lead the Creative Economy Action Group. In February 2020, she co-founded and served as CEO for Salsa for Change Benefit Corporation which donates $1 of every jar to benefit transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness in South Fayetteville. Harvey became the first Latina elected to the Fayetteville City Council in 2018. In addition, she has taught graphic design at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, Monroe College in the Bronx, University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville. Today, she practices graphic design and web design in her role as founder and CEO of 501c3 Design and can be found spinning Latin, funk, and soul tracks as DJ SQS. 

Ash Lee Hicks is the Democratic nominee for JP District 14. Her campaign combines professional expertise and a deep commitment to community welfare.

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With a background as a nurse and educator,  Ash Lee’s family story is about resilience and community engagement. She, her husband Brad, and their blended family of four children exemplify the values of dedication and support.

Ash Lee invites the whole community to support her vision for a thriving, equitable Washington County. Her campaign is an opportunity for residents to shape a positive future for the district. Ash Lee's campaign represents a chance to contribute to meaningful change in Washington County.

Justin grew up in a low-income, single-parent family in Saline County, Arkansas. He, his mother, and siblings shared a room at his grandparents' house until he was in 5th grade. After high school, Justin attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to save money and stay close to his family. It was during his college years that Justin became involved in politics, ran for Justice of the Peace, and became one of the youngest elected officials in Arkansas history at just 20 years old. 

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With the money he had saved, a full-time job, and help from his family, Justin moved to New York for law school, but always with the intention to return home and reinvest in his community. While in law school, Justin became an advocate for civil rights, marching in the NYC Pride Parade, working with children in the juvenile justice system, and volunteering at JFK airport with others in the legal community when people were trapped by the Muslim Ban during the Trump administration. 

Justin brought his advocacy home after law school and began working as an attorney for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, protecting abused and neglected children, impaired adults, and the elderly. Justin now works as a senior policy manager for one of the world's largest companies with the hope of making the private sector more responsible when collecting and using personal data.

Now, Justin lives in Springdale with his wife - a public school teacher - and their two young children. He was the Democratic Nominee for Washington County Justice of the Peace, District 3, in 2022 and is now running for the State House in District 18 because he believes that together, we can protect our public schools, build an economy that works for all Arkansans, and make our state government accountable to the people it serves, not just the connected few. 

Ana Hurley, a Russellville High School alumna, holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts (Fine Art) from Evergreen State College and a Master's degree in Liberal Arts (Philosophy) from St. John's College. After nearly a decade of working in non-profits and startups across the country, including in Denver, NYC, San Francisco, and Boston, Ana returned to Arkansas in 2020. She is committed to leveraging her education and experience to benefit her home state. 

No picture or bio was submitted at the time of publication.

My name is Ben Houston, I live in West Fork, AR. I was born and raised in Fayetteville and love the area. I have a degree in Chemical Engineering from the UofA and a passion for the environment. My hobbies include tennis, gardening, and nerding out over Star Wars and DnD with my friends.

Caitlin is a lifelong resident of Arkansas. She is a graduate of Elkins High School and attended the University of Arkansas. She operates a small business servicing Northwest Arkansas. Caitlin and her husband, Kyle, have 5 children, one granddaughter and another granddaughter due in May. They operate two family farms in rural Washington County, raising cattle, goats, chickens, and ducks, along with a variety of produce they sell at the small farmer's markets in the area.

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Caitlin has been actively involved in her community for the past 19 years. She has volunteered in her children’s schools, led Girl Scout troops, helped with Cub Scouts, served as PTO President, and coached her children’s multiple sports teams. Caitlin is presently involved with many small local farmers markets and the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas and serves as a judge for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) events. She serves as Secretary for the Washington County Democrats, the Elkins Lions Club, and the Friends of the Elkins Public Library. She also serves on the board of Ozark Folkways in Winslow.

In 1995 Brian Hurley visited Arkansas from Missouri and vowed he would live there someday. Since 2005, he has done just that. He attended graduate school for a PhD in History at the University of Arkansas, and taught middle school social studies in Helena before returning to Fayetteville where he works at the university in Student Success. 

No bio was submitted at the time of publication.

As a passionate chef who honed my culinary skills at Johnson & Wales in Charleston, SC, I embarked on a journey filled with culinary excellence and creativity. Throughout my career, I had the privilege of training under the guidance of renowned chefs in the culinary industry, absorbing knowledge and expertise that shaped my culinary prowess.

Being a proud Democrat, I believe in the values of equality, justice, and progress, and strive to embody these principles in both my personal and professional life. After my enriching culinary experiences, I eventually found my culinary home in Northwest Arkansas (NWA), where I joined the team at 28 Springs, a renowned establishment known for its innovative cuisine and vibrant culinary scene. I dedicated my skills and creativity to delighting guests with exceptional dishes until the unfortunate closure of 28 Springs last year.

In addition to my culinary endeavors, I am a devoted husband to my wife and a supportive brother to my sister, who serves as a nurse in the healthcare field. Family holds a significant place in my heart, and I am grateful to have my mother living close by, providing a sense of comfort and connection in my daily life.

Outside of the culinary world, I am proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, showcasing my commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement. Furthermore, my passion for environmental conservation led me to become a Master Naturalist, allowing me to deepen my understanding of and contribute to the preservation of our natural world.

This blend of culinary artistry, family bonds, community involvement, and environmental stewardship, combined with my democratic values, defines my multifaceted identity and drives my pursuit of excellence in both the culinary realm and beyond.

I relocated with my mother to Washington County, Arkansas, in order to be closer to my brother and his wife, accompanied by my three beloved dogs and African Grey Parrot. This move marked a significant shift in my personal life, providing me with a new opportunity to strengthen family bonds and connections.

In my professional journey as a Registered Nurse, I transitioned from my role as the Corporate COVID Nurse for Tyson Foods to join the Cardiology Clinic at ACNW. This decision was driven by a deep-seated desire to reconnect with the patients I had previously cared for during my 20-year tenure in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas Children's Hospital. My experience in healthcare, coupled with my passion for cardiology, motivates me to continue providing high-quality care and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

As a proud Democrat, I am committed to advocating for healthcare policies that prioritize access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of their background or financial status. I believe in the importance of healthcare equity and strive to support initiatives that address healthcare disparities and promote wellness within our communities.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I am actively involved in volunteer work, including serving as a Registered lifetime Girl Scout and fostering dogs and puppies in Little Rock for Out of the Woods rescue organization. Additionally, I dedicate my time to national groups such as American Boston Terrier Rescue & Rehabilitation, French Bulldog Village, and Make-A-Wish Foundation, where I provide care, support, and fulfill wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

During my time in Central Arkansas, I had the privilege of working with a certified therapy dog, whom I took weekly to the library for a toddler reading program. This experience allowed me to witness the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted therapy and the joy it brought to both children and the community.

This holistic approach to caregiving, both in healthcare and volunteer work, reflects my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others and exemplifies my dedication to serving the community with compassion, empathy, and a focus on Democratic values and issues.

No picture or bio was submitted at the time of publication.

Lou Reed Sharp is a lifelong community leader dedicated to making people’s lives better through innovative, community service and problem solving. Born and raised on a turkey and cattle farm, to a farmer and a nurse, Lou has spent her career fighting for people in rural communities,
Lou’s political journey began after a long entrepreneurial career in nursing where she co-founded and grew comprehensive home health care and hospice services in rural counties. When approached to run for the House,
Lou saw first hand the impact of legislation on the lives of ordinary citizens. Poor policies lead to huge areas of poverty with limited access to healthcare, schools, resources and opportunities.

Drawing from personal experience as a former House candidate, Lou understood the importance of a supporting local candidates. She has been at the helm of Washington County democrats for the last four years. Working with a dedicated, all volunteer team, exceptional candidates from the State down to the JP level, and extensive voter outreach, This transformative team effort expanded voter turnout. Washington County flipped blue with a swing of over 7,000 votes.

Lou has a clear vision of building the Democratic Party so that it becomes a foundational part of thriving local communities, intertwining with everyday lives to give people a sense of hope and being a part of change. This
underscores the power of grassroots mobilization. public education and voter outreach that must be done through collaborative efforts with the DPA, our sister organizations and sister counties

Hello! My name is Lance, and I am a Washington County resident who has been and currently still on my journey of self-discovery/deconstruction. With an upbringing in a conservative environment, I never imagined I’d see myself running as a delegate for the Arkansas Democratic Convention. But surprise!

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In 2020 when some of us had extra time on our hands. I started questioning things in my life, one of them being my faith and the beliefs I was raised on. This journey has been quite the ride but very positive. I’ve embraced progressive values and I believe every person deserves equal rights and opportunities, no matter who they are.

I’m an advocate for public education and a supporter of women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and voting rights. These are issues that matter to me, and I know they matter to a lot of people here in Washington County.

While I don’t have a fancy political background or a long tenure in the Democratic Party, I have passion and a strong desire to make a difference. I would be honored to represent Washington county at our state convention, and I promise to do everything I can to make our voices heard.

Josh Sol is a junior at George Mason University, majoring in Government and International Politics with a concentration in Political Behavior and Identity Politics. He lived in Springdale all of his life up until leaving for Virginia for college, but has made every effort to stay connected to Democratic politics in Arkansas. He worked for Paula Irwin's campaign in 2022 and is currently working a handful of races in NWA during this cycle. Through being on the State Committee for the last term, he's learned a tremendous amount about the internal party operations and the vital party building activities that create the infrastructure needed by campaigns. 

Josh really believes that the State Committee and the State Party need more young people and more latino voices represented. Washington County cannot properly be represented without diverse experiences, and it's been exciting for him to see that progress play out up close. He hopes to continue to have that opportunity with another term on the State Committee.

Washington County belongs to all of us. Our county government should benefit ordinary working people. I believe in strengthening our county services, ensuring good wages, and supporting and protecting housing.

I'm here to serve the people. I'm often told I'm one of the few JPs who will reply to people's emails and phone calls. I respond.

Washington County's 15 Justices of the Peace make up the legislative branch of county government. Collectively, we are called the "Quorum Court". We each represent a different part of the county and its various cities. My district includes most of south Fayetteville, downtown and Mount Sequoyah.

The most important thing we do is oversee the county budgets. That includes the county road department, the criminal justice system, and the elections department. We are also authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies.

Since 2020, Washington County has received tens of millions of dollars in federal relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But many of those funds are in danger of being misspent. We need to stand strong and use that money as it was intended - to help our community.

I'll continue standing up to extremists and fighting to make our Washington County government more inclusive, equitable, and democratic.

I'm a fourth-generation Fayetteville resident. I grew up here and attended Fayetteville Public Schools. I was a proud Butterfield Bronco, Woodland Cowboy, and Fayetteville High Bulldog. I was also a Razorback and attended what's today called the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the UofA.

Growing up, my parents founded the Star Shopper, a well-known weekly advertiser. I learned the value of hard work and teamwork from them. I also learned the value of preserving the things we love; as a child, my parents were part of the 1974 campaign to Save the Old Post Office, in the middle of the Fayetteville Square, from being demolished.

I got an early start working in the family business, learning graphic design, typesetting, layout, and printing. I went on to study architecture, photography, and art. I've worked in related fields, including construction and fabrication, ever since. 

Today, I run a small digital marketing agency with my lovely and talented wife, Evelyn Rios Stafford, who serves as a Washington County Justice of the Peace. My photographs have appeared on the cover and pages of the New York Times SF Arts Weekly, and San Francisco's MUNI public transit vehicles and stations. In 2021, the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce awarded my company an Excellence in Business Award.

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Through my work on city boards and commissions, I became very familiar with how Fayetteville's city government works. I participated in many city council meetings and got to know our elected officials and city staff well. Even before I was elected, I got an ordinance successfully passed by the Fayetteville City Council - re-writing our Fayetteville Arts Council charter. 

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I've been involved in civic causes for many years. I've held successful fundraisers for musicians who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and for Japanese artists who suffered from the earthquakes and tsunamis of 2011. When I came back to Fayetteville to be closer to family, I started working on the 2015 campaign to pass Fayetteville's Civil Rights Ordinance and the 2016 millage to expand the Fayetteville Public Library. I always love thinking about ways to improve our community.

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I served on the Fayetteville Arts Council, including two terms as Chair. I worked closely with former Ward 1 City Council members Sonia Harvey and Sarah Marsh. The council advises the city on matters related to the arts and creative economy. I also served on Fayetteville's Urban Forestry Commission, and am proud of my work with local organizations and issues supporting equality for all.

I'm currently learning Spanish. My hobbies and interests include birding, gardening, vintage autos and planes, hiking, and camping in the Ozarks with my wife.

No bio was submitted at the time of publication.

Background and Work Experience:

*  Born and raised in El Dorado AR

*  BA Linguistics, University of Texas, Austin

*  Editor, Children’s Books, NYC

*  English teacher, Buenos Aires, Argentina 

*  Married, two amazing children 

*  English/Spanish K-12 public school teacher — Smackover & Springdale AR

*  MA TESOL, Arkansas Tech

Political History/Experience 

     Even though I have been a lifelong Democrat, I only became politically active after the 2016 Presidential election shocked me into “waking” up. I participated in the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C. and have been active ever since, canvassing and campaigning for issues and candidates I support. I am a passionate advocate for democratic institutions/government, public schools, civil rights and immigrants’ rights. I have studied immigration law, volunteered at non-profit immigration organizations in AR, TX and CO, and assisted asylum seekers at detention centers and at the border. Last year, I worked hard to collect signatures to defeat the so-called Learns Act, and am presently doing the same to put the 5 major initiatives/amendments on the November ballot.

     I would be thrilled to represent Washington County as a delegate to the Special State Convention and hope to receive your vote!

Representative David Whitaker (D-Fayetteville) is a 1999 graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law and earned his BA in Geography from the University of Mary Washington in 1992. In March 2001, he became the Assistant City Attorney for Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he served until his entry into the political arena in late 2009. He is a tenured member of the Arkansas Bar Association’s House of Delegates and has been the past chair of its Law School Committee and Government Practice Section.

Representative Whitaker was first elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2012, and during his five terms, he has served on the Standing Committees for City, County and Local Affairs; Public Transportation; Judiciary; State Agencies and Governmental Affairs; and Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development. He also serves on the Joint Advanced Communications and Information Technology Committee and as the House Co-Chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council. He served as House Minority Leader during the 91st General Assembly, and in 2019, the Council of State Governments named him a Henry Toll Fellow. 

Rep. Whitaker has sponsored legislation to strengthen laws against drunk driving and crack down on predatory towing. Working with Fayetteville and Farmington city leaders, he advised economic developers on how to invest thousands of dollars in general improvement in our region.

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Since being elected, he has helped city and nonprofit leaders make improvements to the Farmington Fire Department, Farmington Library, Farmington Senior Center, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Public Schools, the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, and the Fayetteville National Cemetery, among many organizations.

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David has a proven record of advocating for Arkansas public schools and hourly workers. He is committed to investments in infrastructure, small business development, public schools, health care, pre-K, and agriculture.

No bio was submitted at the time of publication.

No bio was submitted at the time of publication.

Professionally, Gracie has spent over twenty years in her career anchored in food and beverage marketing, innovation, and brand building. Currently, she develops and executes private label strategy for an international beverage manufacturer. Previously, she has worked to develop national menu strategies for places you know you and love, she has created messaging strategies for some of the largest brands in the world integrating social media, consumer engagement, and traditional marketing methods, and she has led programs focused on bringing women and minority small business owners into the national retail market at a sustainable scale.

Politically, she has been an active member of the Washington County (AR) Democratic Party for many years, serving in various roles, including Marketing & Communications Chair, Event Chair, and Candidate Training and Support roles. She was instrumental in bringing Emerge to Arkansas and served on the inaugural Emerge Arkansas Board of Directors.  She served as a regional volunteer and coordinator for President Obama, Hilary Clinton, and Elizabeth Warren in their presidential runs. 

Gracie has applied her “day-job” strategies of process management, data-driven storytelling, and connecting with consumers to organizing and candidate support. She has found that the same mindset behind what entices shoppers to make purchase choices is a similar approach when appealing to voters on social justice issues and for Democratic candidates. These tactics have been proven in her management of successful first-time and re-election campaigns for progressive democrats in hyper-local and state offices and ballot initiatives. 

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As the current Vice Chair of Auxiliaries for the Democratic Party of Arkansas, Gracie is directly engaged in state and local issues, candidate recruitment and bench building, training and support, and always fighting to improve access for ALL Arkansans. Gracie also currently serves as the Corresponding Secretary for the National Federation of Democratic Women.

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Gracie lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with her husband, Mike, and their dog, Otter. They enjoy Razorback tailgating, traveling, and entertaining during precedented times.