LITTLE ROCK – Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin said Thursday (Feb. 7) he’s considering running for Arkansas lieutenant governor this year, potentially shaking up the race for the state’s No. 2 office just months after announcing his retirement from Congress.
Griffin, who announced in October he wouldn’t seek a third term in Congress, said he’s been encouraged to take a look at the race and will decide in the coming weeks whether to make a bid for the GOP nomination. The one-week filing period for state and federal offices in Arkansas begins Feb. 24.
State Reps. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, and Andy Mayberry, R-Hensley, are seeking the GOP nomination, while former Highway Commissioner John Burkhalter is the only Democrat running. The office is currently vacant, after Republican Mark Darr stepped down last week over ethics and campaign finance violations.
Griffin said his considering a bid didn’t amount to concerns about the current GOP field for the office.
“I consider them good friends and honorable guys,” he said. “The question is whether it’s the right choice for me and my family at this time and can I bring something to the table?”
(Read the story here from Arkansas Business on Griffin eying a run for lieutenant governor.)
A fourth Republican, Craig Miller of Newton County, was set to declare his candidacy for lieutenant governor on Feb. 7 at Neal’s Cafe in Springdale but postponed the announcement over concerns that his supporters might have difficulty getting to the event on snow-covered streets. He had not rescheduled the event by Friday (Feb. 8).
The primary election is May 20, with the winners from each party advancing to the Nov. 4 general election.
