LITTLE ROCK— The Democratic Party of Arkansas State Committee met Saturday to discuss the path forward for Arkansas Democrats and elect Executive and National Committee officers.

“?Arkansas Democrats hit a big lick this cycle: Defending every incumbent on the ballot, holding two open seats in Crittenden County against ferocious opposition and finally, flipping a House seat in Springdale for our first net gain in the Legislature in 18 years,” said Chair Grant Tennille. “I am proud of our candidates, who ran so hard and represented all of us so well, win or lose. I am proud of so many of you: Arkansas Democrats knocked 80,000 doors this cycle… We’re growing a culture of direct voter contact in Arkansas, and it is making the difference. Finally, I’m proud of this staff, four outstanding Democrats who do more with less than anyone in the country.

“Arkansas Democrats are strong, we are united and we are resilient. We find a way.”

Chair Tennille previewed additional training opportunities and investments in local county party groups. He also referenced additional legislative seats that are within reach for Democrats in 2026.

Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde offered a message welcoming State Committee members to Little Rock.

?”It’s here, surrounded by our shared history & vibrant community, that we are reminded of the work we do together to build a better future for all of Arkansas,” said Hyde. “Your presence here today reflects the dedication and determination of Democrats across Arkansas to fight for opportunity, equity, and progress.”

The party also elected Democratic National Committee Representatives & new members to the State Party Executive Committee. Dana Deree and the Hon. Johnnie Roebuck were elected to represent Arkansas at the Democratic National Committee.

National Committee Representative Johnnie Roebuck has served the people of Arkansas for decades, including in the legislature as House Majority Leader. Roebuck currently resides in Garland County. She began serving as the Democratic National Committee Representative for Arkansas in 2020.

Newly elected DNC Representative Dana Deree is the son of immigrants from Central America, and he began his adult life by enlisting in the U.S. Marines. He has spent the majority of his career serving as a classroom teacher. He currently resides in Washington County where he owns a small-business. He has previously served as a U.S. diplomat, on the Little Rock Racial & Cultural Diversity Commission and president of a local AEA chapter.

The Democratic National Committee will elect the next Chair of the DNC in February.

The list of those elected to serve on the Democratic Party of Arkansas Executive Committee includes:

District 1:

Ryan Carter (Clay County, M)
Fredrick Freeman (St. Francis Co., M)
Tamara Hood (Crittenden Co., F)

District 2:

Dr. Jay Barth (Pulaski County, M)
Tina Haggard (Faulkner County, F)
James Owen (Pulaski County, M)
Mary M Richardson (Pulaski Co.,  F)

District 3:

Suzie Bell (Carrol Co., F)
Billy Cook (Washington Co., M)
Hershel R. Hartford (Washington Co., M)
Carol Vella (Benton Co., F)

District 4:

Jair Arroyo (Hempstead Co., M)
Claudia A. Beach (Clark Co., F)
Mayor Ethan Dunbar (Lafayette Co., M)
Cheryl Felder Stuart (Lafayette Co, F)