Natural State News

James “Rus” Russell is pursuing a Democratic nomination to be named Arkansas Governor next year. 

Filing inquiries for office will be accepted in March 2022, leading to the primaries in May.

"[I jumped in the race] mainly because of a systemic failure in leadership within our state to actually stand up for the people and to take into consideration compassion when passing laws and governing," Russell said during an interview with Talk Business.

Russell serves as the only Democrat party running for governor this year. Candidates from the opposing Republican party include Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

According to Talk Business, the 48-year-old Little Rock native and businessman with family roots in rural areas of Arkansas with relatives from Lewisville and Stephens, established a New Dawn Counseling, an outpatient clinic that specializes in mental health. Feeling an urge to contribute to COVID-19 related state responses after last summer’s social justice protests, his election efforts are attributed to his desire to help.

“I’m a progressive. I’m not afraid to say that Black Lives Matter, the LGBTQIA+ community deserves respect and women should be paid just as much as men. I believe in personal liberty, freedom and responsibility," his website states. "I don’t think these ideals are contentious or divisive issues."

Russell double-majored at the University of Central Arkansas in pre-med and political/legal philosophy, with previous significant contributions to the Arkansas Children’s and the Arkansas State Medical Board. Some of the social issues he hopes to target and resolve include overpriced taxes, the wealth gap and its surrounding inequality, the second amendment, veteran rights and the increasing drug epidemic.

“I believe we should look for answers from within rather than without, and I know that we are better suited to do this together rather than alone," the site states. "Please consider working with me to improve the lives of all Arkansans both now and for generations to come."