Two eastern Arkansas Democrats earned spots on the November ballot following victories Tuesday night in their respective primary runoff elections.
Jessie McGruder defeated Raymond Whiteside with 59% of the vote in the House District 35 race, while Hughes Mayor Lincoln Barnett beat Fred Leonard with nearly 56% of the vote in the House District 63 race, according to unofficial results.
“I just want to say thank you to the citizens of District 35 that voted for me and thank you to my amazing team and family,” McGruder said. “And most of all I want to thank my beautiful, amazing wife.”
McGruder said he intends to hit the campaign trail tomorrow as he turns his attention to the general election. If elected to the Arkansas House in November, McGruder said he plans to “be a voice for the citizens of District 35.”
In the general election, McGruder will face a Republican opponent, Crittenden County Quorum Court member Robert Thorne, Jr.
Whiteside, who garnered 296 votes to McGruder’s 429, said he’s not sure if he’ll run for office again, but he will stay civically engaged by supporting statewide ballot initiatives. Whiteside said he also wants to help with some local measures, including an effort to increase the hotel portion of the advertising and promotion tax in order to direct more money to parks.
“I’m heartbroken that I lost, but public service is something that’s been on my heart and I still want to help others…My public service days are definitely not over,” he said.
House District 35, which includes portions of Crittenden and Cross counties, is currently represented by Marion Democrat Milton Nicks, Jr. who chose not to seek reelection after his fifth term in the Arkansas House.
In neighboring House District 63, West Memphis Democrat Rep. Deborah Ferguson is also stepping down after finishing her sixth term in the House. Hughes Mayor Lincoln Barnett and Republican Tammi Northcutt Bell will vie to succeed Ferguson in November.
Neither Barnett nor his primary opponent could be reached for comment Tuesday night, but in a social media post, Barnett said he was “thrilled” that people trusted him with their vote and that he has the opportunity to represent all of District 63 in the State Legislature.
“I’d like to commend my opponent, Mr. Fred Leonard, for running a competitive race,” Barnett said. “Thank you, sir, for your service in our community. I look forward to running this race with you over the coming months.”
Barnett said he’s going to rest, but his campaign will gear up soon for the general election.
“I’ll need your vote again on November 5th,” he said. “Extreme partisans who don’t know East Arkansas are coming for this district, and it’s so important that we work hard and VOTE to ensure Crittenden and St. Francis Counties have the common sense, collaborative representation we deserve in the State Capitol.”
Barnett earned 601 votes to Leonard’s 474, according to preliminary results. Arkansas Secretary of State Press Secretary Chris Powell said results may be certified no earlier than 48 hours and no later than 10 days after the election, making April 12 the deadline for official results.
The general election is Nov. 5 and early voting begins Oct. 21. To be eligible to cast a ballot, Arkansas voters must be registered to vote by Oct. 7. Voter registration information is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
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