Chris Jones, Democratic candidate for governor of Arkansas | Facebook
Chris Jones, Democratic candidate for governor of Arkansas | Facebook
Chris Jones has entered the Democratic primary for Arkansas governor. The former head of Winrock International's Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub announced his candidacy on June 15.
A seventh-generation Arkansan, Jones, 44, became the fourth person to vie for the Democratic nomination, KATV reported.
“The last few years have shown how much political division can tear us apart,” the Little Rock ABC affiliate reported Jones as saying.
“The reality of this moment in our nation’s history is that if we want our politics to be different, we have to be different.”
Jones added, “Other candidates may try to divide us in this election. But I’m not running for governor to fight a culture war or to go on cable news. I’m here to bring Arkansans back together with a campaign that brings out our best.”
Jones’ intraparty competition includes clergyman Anthony Bland, political neophyte James “Rus” Russell and businesswoman Supha Xayprasith-Mays.
At least one third-party candidate, Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington, is on the ballot for governor.
Jones announced his bid in his native Pine Bluff.
His brother, Leon Jones, is seeking the Republican nod for Arkansas Attorney General.
Having oversaw the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, Chris Jones created programs with a focus on social inequities and worked with the state’s underserved communities, KATV reported.
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