Historic Times for Arkansas Legislature

by Alex Fitzsimmons

Times are changing in Arkansas.

On Friday, when the 2012 fiscal session ends, House members will elect a speaker-designate for the next biennium. No matter how they vote, they’ll make history.

If they choose Rep. Darren Williams, and he assumes the top leadership post next January, he’ll be the state’s first African American speaker. If they select his opponent, Rep. Terry Rice, and he becomes the next speaker, Arkansas will have its first Republican House leader since Reconstruction. Arkansas is the only state legislature in the country that has had continuous control of the legislature by the same party since Reconstruction.

As if that’s not enough, for the first time in more than 150 years, Arkansas Republicans are confident they have a shot at taking control of the Legislature in November. Democrats currently hold a 54-46  majority in the House and a 20 to 15 lead in the Senate.

Arkansas stands as one of the last bastions of southern Democratic control. Up until 1991 Democrats controlled every legislative chamber in the South. Today, Arkansas and West Virginia are the only two southern states where Democrats still have the majority in both chambers. Democrats also control the Kentucky House.

Although the candidates for speaker are downplaying the historical significance, Friday’s election will be remembered as a defining moment in the state’s history. And by January 2013, the political landscape in Arkansas could look very different than it does today.

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Thicket contributor Alex Fitzsimmons is an intern in NCSL's public affairs division in Washington, D.C. office.

Comments

[Steve Harrelson]

Thanks for the Arkansas plug!