LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Today, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveiled Arkansas LEARNS alongside state legislators, students, parents, and teachers at the Arkansas State Capitol.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders will give the Republican response to the State of the Union
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) will deliver the Republican Address to the Nation from Little Rock, Arkansas following the State of the Union address next Tuesday, February 7th:
Speaker McCarthy said: “Americans are still struggling from inflation, a border crisis, record crime, and a failing school system. As House Republicans work to fix these problems in Congress with our Commitment to America, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is addressing them head on with her conservative agenda outside of Washington. The youngest governor in America, Sarah is fighting on behalf of parents, small businesses, and ordinary taxpayers. She is bringing new ideas for a changing future, while also applying the wisdom of the past, including from the leadership of her father, Mike. She is a servant-leader of true determination and conviction. I’m thrilled Sarah will share her extraordinary story and bold vision for a better America on Tuesday. Everyone, including President Biden, should listen carefully.”
Leader McConnell said: “While President Biden keeps repeating old mistakes and failing Americans, a rising generation of Republican Governors are fighting for families, advancing new solutions, and winning. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the youngest Governor in the nation and a powerful advocate for the popular, commonsense conservative principles that will put our country back on a better course. The American people deserve better than Democrats’ runaway inflation, surging crime, open borders, and failing schools. I am excited for the nation to hear from Governor Sanders on Tuesday and witness a sharp contrast with this exhausted and failing Administration.”
Governor Sanders said: “I am grateful for this opportunity to address the nation and contrast the GOP’s optimistic vision for the future against the failures of President Biden and the Democrats. We are ready to begin a new chapter in the story of America – to be written by a new generation of leaders ready to defend our freedom against the radical left and expand access to quality education, jobs, and opportunity for all.”
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the 47th Governor of Arkansas. Inaugurated on January 10, 2023, she is the first woman to serve as governor of the state and is currently the youngest governor in the country. Prior to her historic victory, Sarah served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019. A trusted confidant of the President, she advised him on everything from press and communications strategy to personnel and policy. Sarah was only the third woman – and the very first mom – to ever hold the job of White House Press Secretary. Sarah grew up in Pine Bluff and Texarkana and is a proud graduate of Little Rock Central High and Ouachita Baptist University. She lives in Little Rock with her husband, Bryan, their children Scarlett, Huck, and George, and their golden retriever, Traveler.
Will Newton/AP
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks after taking the oath of the office on the steps of the Arkansas Capitol Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Little Rock, Ark.
Arkansas Democrats speak out against new governor's policies
KUAR | By Josie Lenora
The Democratic Party of Arkansas held a press conference Wednesday to respond to Republican policy proposals espoused by the governor and legislature. House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough, D-Little Rock, was joined by Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, in the former Supreme Court chamber in the Arkansas State Capitol.
Both railed against policies supported by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in particular those pertaining to education. Sanders has said she wants to be thought of as the “education governor,” and supports school choice policies and voucher programs as well as raising minimum teacher pay.
McCullough and Leding say they support teachers and raising their salaries, but not other more conservative education policies supported by Sanders. McCullough said the governor contradicted herself in the two different speeches she gave at her inauguration Tuesday.
Josie Lenora/KUAR News
Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, hosts a press conference alongside House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough, D-Little Rock, at the Arkansas State Capitol Wednesday.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs executive orders on first day of term
KUAR | By Josie Lenora
Shortly after her inauguration Tuesday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed seven executive orders into law. The orders further conservative social causes and seek to limit government regulations.
The first one she signed institutes a promotion and hiring freeze for all state government workers. Another executive order will prevent government agencies from implementing new regulations without her approval.
“We are going to continue to limit the scope of government and empower Arkansans,” Sanders said.
Will Newton/AP
Incoming Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed seven new executive orders into law Tuesday.
Gov.-elect Sanders selects Stubbs, Penn to top state military posts
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Wednesday (Jan. 4) her intention to nominate Brigadier General Jon Stubbs as Secretary of the Military and The Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, and Major General Kendall Penn as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Penn now holds the title of Secretary of the Military, while he will replace Nate Todd, the Veterans Affairs secretary.
“I will be appointing two high-caliber individuals with decades of military experience who will lead with honor and integrity – BG Jon Stubbs as The Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard and Major General Kendall Penn as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Sanders said. “BG Stubbs’ extensive Army National Guard experience makes him a clear choice to lead the Department of Military as The Adjutant General, ensuring our airmen and soldiers are standing at the ready to support the state of Arkansas and our nation. Major General Penn has done an excellent job leading our Department of Military, which is why I have asked him to continue to serve and take on the critical role of Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Together, we will ensure that the brave, selfless men and women who have served our country in uniform are always cared for and supported.”
https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-elect-sanders-selects-stubbs-penn-to-top-state-military-posts/
Gov.-elect Sanders names Jacob Oliva of Florida to education post
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Dec. 29) she would nominate Jacob Oliva of Florida as Arkansas’ next Secretary of Education. He will replace Johnny Key, the current education secretary.
Oliva is the senior chancellor for the Florida Department of Education and was a former teacher, principal, and superintendent in Flagler County, Fla., where he was hailed as a progressive and innovate educator and helped improve the district’s student achievement rankings.
“Education is the foundation for success, and, with my nominee for Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jacob Oliva, we are ready to transform Arkansas education with bold reforms that will empower every kid to succeed,” Sanders said. “Jacob’s proven success increasing student achievement and his experience serving in many educational roles will make him an asset to my administration. Through my Arkansas LEARNS plan, we will expand access to quality education for every kid growing up in our state, empower parents, not government bureaucrats, and prepare students for the workforce, not government dependency, so everyone has a shot at a better life right here in Arkansas.”
https://talkbusiness.net/2022/12/gov-elect-sanders-names-jacob-oliva-of-florida-to-education-post/
Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announces her Education Secretary pick, Jacob Oliva.
Gov.-elect Sanders names Joseph Wood to lead Department of Transformation and Shared Services
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Friday (Dec. 30) her intention to nominate Washington County Judge Joseph Wood as Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services.
Wood is completing his second term as Washington County Judge after an unsuccessful run for the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor in 2022. He previously served in the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office.
Prior to public service, Wood was head of international recruitment for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and previously served as assistant director of recruitment for the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Walther reappointed to top post at Department of Finance and Administration
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Wednesday (Dec. 28) her intent to reappoint Larry Walther as the secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration. Walther also held a cabinet position with Sanders’ father, former Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Walther has held the post since January 2015 when appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. He was first appointed to a government job in 2003 when appointed by then Gov. Huckabee as director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
In 2008, Walther was tapped by the administration of President George W. Bush to work as director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. In 2011, Walther received a second presidential nomination when President Barack Obama nominated him to serve on the board of directors for the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Gov.-elect Sanders names Hugh McDonald to Commerce post, Shane Khoury to Energy and Environment
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Dec. 22) former Entergy Arkansas CEO Hugh McDonald as her choice to lead the Arkansas Department of Commerce, the cabinet post that oversees economic development and recruiting, and other agencies dealing with banking, securities and insurance.
McDonald, who has been retired from Entergy since 2016, said he is looking forward to the challenge of recruiting businesses to Arkansas and helping develop the state’s workforce. Sanders said improving Arkansas’ workforce training and coordination – with an eye toward helping younger, non-college bound students explore career opportunities – would be a top priority for her administration.
Mike Preston, the outgoing Secretary of Commerce, is transitioning to the private sector. He said an announcement about his future would be forthcoming.
Gov.-elect Sarah Sanders and Commerce Secretary nominee Hugh McDonald.
Gov.-elect Sanders to keep Wes Ward as Agriculture Secretary
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
A lot of changes will come when Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders takes office at the beginning of next year, but at least one thing will remain the same. Sanders announced Monday (Dec. 12) that she will reappoint Wes Ward as the secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
“As the current Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward has done an excellent job growing our largest industry and developing relationships with the men and women who work in agriculture, and I am excited that he will continue in this critical role for our state,” Sanders said. “He’s also done this work over the last seven years while continuing to serve our nation in uniform, giving credence to his character and dedication. Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas’ economy, and I am proud that our hardworking Arkansas farmers, ranchers, growers, and foresters help feed and supply the state, nation, and world. As governor, we will work together to ensure that we remain a global leader.”
Ward is serving as the third Secretary of Agriculture for Arkansas. He was appointed to the position in March 2015 by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. He also serves as the Second Vice President for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).
https://talkbusiness.net/2022/12/gov-elect-sanders-to-keep-wes-ward-as-agriculture-secretary/
Arkansas governor-elect Sanders announces transition team
KUAR | By Talk Business & Politics Staff
Attorney Kevin Crass will lead the transition team for Governor-elect Sarah Sanders, she announced in a statement on Thursday.
Crass is a senior partner in the Litigation Practice Group at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP in Little Rock. He will serve as executive director of the transition, which includes nine other staff members.
“Kevin Crass has been a trusted friend and accomplished attorney for many years, and I am pleased to announce that he has agreed to serve as the Executive Director of the transition,” Sanders said. “Kevin brings significant knowledge and relationships to this role, and I have complete confidence in his abilities to help me be ready to assume the role of governor on day one and begin taking our state to the top. Kevin will also be assisted in this important work by several individuals who were a part of our historic victory on election night and who bring their own incredible experiences and expertise. There is a lot of work to do and a short time to do it, but this team will get it done.”
Michael Hibblen/KUAR News
Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders submitting paperwork on Feb. 22, 2022 to run for governor of Arkansas.
Gov. Hutchinson receiving encouragement for Presidential run, discusses Sanders’ transition
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
After last week’s historic midterm elections and with former President Donald Trump expected to declare he will make another run for President, term-limited Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he is still contemplating a run for the 2024 GOP nomination.
On Thursday in an interview following his budget presentation to state lawmakers, Hutchinson said he’s receiving a lot of encouragement to make a bid for President.
“Well, it’s on the table, it’s under consideration and it’s premature to make a decision. But I’ve had an incredible amount of encouragement. I tell folks that I’ve actually had more encouragement from people of Arkansas to run for president than I had when I ran for Governor. And so that’s how I compared it a little bit,” Hutchinson said.
Arkansas’ gubernatorial candidates debate taxes, transgender law, education
by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)
Taxes, transgender laws, media access, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were part of Friday’s (Oct. 21) three-person gubernatorial debate in which frontrunner and Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Democrat challenger Dr. Chris Jones focused on education and jobs.
The debate, which also included Libertarian candidate Ricky Dale Harrington Jr., was conducted by Arkansas PBS and televised live Friday morning.
A recent Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Poll showed Sanders with a 10-point lead over Jones (51% to 41%) heading into the last weeks of the election cycle. Harrington had support from 3% of poll respondents. The poll was conducted Oct. 17-18 with 974 likely Arkansas voters.
Sanders has firm lead in GOP gubernatorial primary, Jones on track to win Democratic bid without runoff
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
The general election matchup for Arkansas Governor is shaping up to be Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Democrat Chris Jones, according to a new survey from Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College.
The surveys, conducted May 2, 2022, tested opinions of GOP and Democratic primary voters for the seat held by term-limited Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
Among 802 likely Republican primary voters, the results were:
Governor
72.5% – Sarah Huckabee Sanders
16.5% – Francis “Doc” Washburn
11% – Undecided
Among 597 likely Democratic primary voters, the results were:
Governor
2% – James “Rus” Russell
3.5% – Jay Martin
59.5% – Chris Jones
3% – Anthony Bland
1.5% – Supha Xayprasith-Mays
30.5% – Undecided
Incumbent Asa Hutchinson endorses Sarah Sanders' bid for governor of Arkansas
KUAR | By Remington Miller
Gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders received endorsements from fellow Arkansas Republicans on Friday, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
Hutchinson is prevented from running for reelection due to term limits. He announced his support for Sanders in a statement, saying “I’ve known Sarah Huckabee Sanders most of her life and know firsthand her love for our state and her heart for public service. Sarah has earned the Republican nomination and I’m delighted today to endorse her for Governor. The state of Arkansas will be in good hands with Sarah as Governor, and she has my full support.”
This endorsement comes just three days after Attorney General Leslie Rutledge dropped out of the governor’s race and announced she would be running for lieutenant governor, leaving Sanders as the only candidate in the Republican primary. She has been considered the frontrunner since announcing her candidacy on Jan. 25, largely because of the support President Donald Trump received in the state and her role serving as White House Press Secretary.
Michael Hibblen/KUAR News
Republican candidate for governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, seen here speaking at a rally in Benton on Sept. 6, has received the endorsements of key party officeholders this week, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson. It comes after her only Republican opponent, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, dropped out of the race Tuesday to run for lieutenant governor.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders Kicks Off 15-Stop Tour In Campaign For Arkansas Governor
Nine months after announcing her candidacy for Arkansas governor through a produced video, Sarah Huckabee Sanders is now taking her campaign to the people. This Labor Day weekend she began a series of 15 appearances around the state.
On Monday evening, the former White House press secretary spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at a rally in Benton. Sanders was introduced by her father, former Gov. Mike Huckabee.
“She understands why she wants to run, what she will do when elected, and I believe with all my heart – and this is hard to say for reasons that will make perfect sense when I say it – I think she will be the best governor Arkansas ever had,” Huckabee said.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaking to a crowd of supporters Monday evening in Benton.
CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS
Lt. Gov. Griffin Discusses Decision To Run for AG Instead of Governor
By PAUL GATLING
Roby Brock speaks with Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin about his decision to run for Arkansas attorney general instead of the governorship. Griffin made the announcement earlier this month after Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she'd be joining the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, which also includes current Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/lt-gov-griffin-discusses-decision-run-ag-instead-governor
COURTESY / LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE