SMACKOVER, Ark. - Robin Roark, an educator and pastor, has announced his run for the Arkansas State House of Representatives in District 96, which includes much of Cleveland County.
Roark will be facing Horace Ray Charles of El Dorado in the Democratic primary election to be held March 5, 2024. The winner of that race will face Republican incumbent Sonia Eubanks Barker of Smackover.
Roark, raised in Fordyce, said in a news release that he holds the family values of the region, living in Smackover with his wife, Amanda, and their four children, the oldest of which is a senior at the University of Arkansas.
A University of Arkansas Little Rock alumnus with a B.A. in English and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology, Roark's career includes roles in education and spiritual leadership. His professional journey includes stints as a teacher at North Little Rock High School and White Hall High School, and as a pillar of support in his roles as an associate pastor at Texarkana First United Methodist Church, and pastor at Silver Hill and Smackover First United Methodist Churches.
Roark stated in his release that his campaign is driven by his vast experience in education and community leadership, equipping him with an intimate understanding of the unique challenges and needs of Arkansans in District 96. He said he is a passionate advocate for educational advancement, community growth, and inclusive, forwardthinking policies. "Being a native of Fordyce, I have a deep connection to the people of District 96. Raised in the United Methodist Church and with parents who ran a small business, I've learned the importance of faith and hard work. Fordyce, Hampton, Rison, and the communities in Dallas, Calhoun, and Cleveland Counties have always been close to my heart. They're not just where I grew up; they're what shaped me," said Roark.
On the need for unity and collaboration, Roark stated, "Living in this great co...
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