RISON - Harrell Wilson of the Staves community announced Monday his intentions to seek the District 1 State Senate seat being left vacant by the resignation of Republican State Senator Ben Gilmore of Crossett, who is joining the Attorney General’s office. Wilson is running as a Republican.
District 1 includes all of Cleveland, Ashley, Bradley and Chicot, and Cleveland counties was well as parts of Drew, Grant, Jefferson and Grant counties.
The statement announcing his candidacy included endorsements from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Attorney General Tim Griffin and Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge.
“The hardworking people, neighborly bonds, and wholesome communities make me proud to call Southeast Arkansas home,” Wilson said in the prepared statement. “For generations, we have created jobs, run a successful business, and raised our children here.
“I am sad to see Senator Ben Gilmore leave the Senate, because he has been a great advocate for our part of the state. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am ready to continue the great work he has done to make sure our next generation has the educational and career opportunities that will allow them to flourish and stay in Southeast Arkansas,” said Wilson.
Upon announcing his candidacy, Wilson also stated, “As your state senator, I will always fight to protect life, oppose any encroachment on the Second Amendment, and defend Arkansas family values. District 1 will continue to have a senator who will fight for limited government, less regulations on Arkansas businesses, lowering our tax burden, and solutions facing our forestry and agricultural industries.
“As a Christian conservative Republican, I understand and take seriously protecting our shared family values and our God-given individual liberties. Southeast Arkansas will have a senator who will continue making our community the best possible place to live, work, do business, and raise a family,” he said.
Gov. Sanders issued a statement Monday endorsing Wils…