RISON, Ark. — Rison business owner Harrell Wilson has announced his candidacy for the Arkansas State Senate District 1 seat being vacated by Sen. Ben Gilmore.
Wilson’s announcement Monday came just days after Laura “Missy” Wardlaw announced she would seek the Republican nomination for the seat. Wardlaw’s campaign announcement was reported by Saline River News on Friday, shortly after news of Gilmore’s planned resignation.
Wilson’s campaign said he has been endorsed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Attorney General Tim Griffin and Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge.
Gilmore is leaving the Arkansas Senate to join the Attorney General’s Office as a senior advisor.
Wilson said he is seeking the Senate seat to continue advocating for Southeast Arkansas and to help create opportunities for future generations in the region.
“The hardworking people, neighborly bonds, and wholesome communities make me proud to call Southeast Arkansas home,” Wilson said in the release.
Wilson said his campaign will focus on conservative priorities, including protecting life, defending Second Amendment rights, supporting Arkansas family values, reducing regulations on businesses, lowering taxes and addressing issues facing the forestry and agricultural industries.
“As a Christian conservative Republican, I understand and take seriously protecting our shared family values and our God-given individual liberties,” Wilson said in the release.
Wilson currently serves as president of the Cleveland County School Board and on the AgHeritage Board of Directors. According to his campaign announcement, he operates a family-owned hardwood sawmill and farms pine and hardwood timber.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Wilson also serves on the Camp Wyldewood Board, Arkansas Forestry Association Board, AFA Education Foundation Board, UAM Foundation Board and Board of Visitors.
Wilson and his wife, Holley, live in Rison. They have three sons and two granddaughters and are members of Rison Church of Christ, where Wilson serves as an elder.
The District 1 seat includes all of Ashley, Bradley, Chicot and Cleveland counties, along with portions of Drew, Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Additional candidates could still enter the race.
