RISON - The Democratic Party of Cleveland County will host a Meet and Greet the Candidates Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at noon at the Hall-Morgan Building, 404 Sycamore St., in Rison.
Guest speakers will include Mayor Tomeka Butler, the Democratic candidate for the District 1 State Senate seat, who is running against Republican candidate Harrell Wilson.
Also appearing will be James Russell, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District, who is running against incumbent Republican Bruce Westerman.
Kelly Grappe, the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State, will also be in attendance. Grappe is running against Republican Kim Hammer and Libertarian Michael Pakko.
The Democratic Party of Cleveland County invites the public to come meet the Democratic candidates and learn more about those seeking to represent Cleveland County, District 1, Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District, and the state of Arkansas.
Everyone is encouraged to join us in welcoming the candidates and showing appreciation for their visit to Cleveland County.
Tomeka Butler
Mayor Tomeka Butler has been a dynamic and transformative leader for the City of Eudora, Arkansas since March 2020. Breaking historic barriers as the first African American woman and woman of color to seek and hold the mayoral office, her election marked a pivotal moment in the city’s history. Without prior political experience, Mayor Butler emerged as a determined and visionary public servant, stepping into leadership at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—a challenge she faced with tenacity and purpose.
An accomplished scholar and lifelong learner, Mayor Butler holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Webster University (Little Rock Air Force Base campus), and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix (Dallas campus). Her academic foundation has played a vital role in shapi…