LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas state Senator Fred Love has declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination to run against Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the upcoming election. In his announcement on Monday, he expressed a vision for an inclusive Arkansas, emphasizing that the state functions best when it serves all its residents.
Fred Love, who represents a district in Little Rock, has been part of the state Senate since 2023 and has previously completed six terms in the state House. He plans to focus his campaign on an economic development strategy designed to widen the availability of startup capital, infrastructure, and small business grants. He stressed the necessity of widespread prosperity, indicating that progress should extend beyond just urban centers.
“Prosperity should be visible in our Delta towns, our Ozark communities, and our Main Streets — not just in spreadsheets,” Love stated, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to economic growth that benefits all areas of Arkansas.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who previously served as the White House press secretary under former President Donald Trump, secured her position as governor in 2022. With over $3.7 million saved for her reelection campaign, Sanders has already started her campaign efforts with a television advertisement released in January.
“Governor Sanders won by an historic margin in 2022 because Arkansans overwhelmingly support her agenda,” noted Jordan Powell, Sanders’ campaign manager. He credited Sanders’ “bold policies” for advancing the state’s economy, improving education, cutting taxes, and reducing crime. Powell expanded on the governor’s intentions, stating that her record will reach all corners of the state by 2026.
In Arkansas, Republicans currently hold all statewide partisan office positions and control a majority in both the state House and Senate. The state’s primary election is set for March 3.