Republican Grant Hodges is seeking the state House District 96 seat representing eastern Benton County.
Hodges created a campaign Facebook page on Saturday (Jan. 11) and plans to make a formal campaign announcement on Monday (Jan. 13). His campaign Facebook page identifies him as a “new generation conservative … ready to bring his energy and ideas to represent District 96 in Little Rock.”
Hodges, 23, is from Ozark, Mo., and graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 2013. He describes himself as a party activist who “felt like it was time to step up” and seek a seat in the General Assembly. Hodges ran the campaign for state Rep. Randy Alexander, R-Fayetteville, and worked on the campaigns of U.S. Sen. John Boozman and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, both R-Ark.
Hodges said he is a pro-business, limited-government candidate who counts among his top issues opposition to the tax on veterans’ retirement pay and support for more technology in schools.
“Almost all jobs require computer skills,” the Rogers resident told 5NEWS on Sunday (Jan. 12).
He also said that ethics will be a central part of his candidacy, adding he will not accept gifts from lobbyists.
In a campaign news release, Hodges said he is “a proud member of the NRA and … strongly pro-life.”
The District 96 seat is held by term-limited state Rep. Duncan Baird, R-Lowell. Baird is a candidate for treasurer this year, facing fellow Republican Dennis Milligan in the May primary election.
Benton County businessman Damon Wallace, a Republican, has told 5NEWS he is running for the District 96 seat.
Republican Carlos Chicas of Rogers said in July he also is considering running for the seat, but he told 5NEWS on Sunday (Jan. 12) he is running for a seat on the Rogers City Council instead.
The winner from each party in the May primary advances to the November general election. No Democrats have announced they are running for the District 96 seat. Candidates have until the first week of March to file for office.
