Laura “Missy” Wardlaw has announced plans to seek the Arkansas State Senate District 1 seat in the Republican Primary, following State Sen. Ben Gilmore’s planned resignation to join the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced in a social media post that Gilmore will begin serving as senior advisor in his office on July 1.
“I am pleased to announce that State Senator Ben Gilmore will join my office as Senior Advisor on July 1. Gilmore will resign from the Arkansas Senate and will continue to serve the state in this new role as a key part of my senior staff,” Griffin wrote.
Wardlaw announced Thursday that she plans to run for the District 1 seat in the Republican Primary, which will be held at a later date.
The district includes Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland and Drew counties, as well as portions of Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln counties.
“I am really excited about having the opportunity to represent our district at the Arkansas State Capitol in the Senate. As a lifelong resident of South Arkansas, I understand the needs of our communities. My 3 main focal points will be access to health care, educational opportunities and economic growth. I look forward to visiting our communities, sharing my ideas and getting your thoughts on how to keep South Arkansas viable,” Wardlaw said.
Wardlaw’s career has focused on health care. She currently serves as veteran coordinator for Pinnacle In-Home Care, where she helps connect families with non-skilled care throughout Arkansas.
She holds an Associate of Science degree from SAU Tech and an Associate of Science in Physical Therapy from South Arkansas Community College. She is a graduate of Camden Fairview High School.
Wardlaw serves on the board of directors for the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA of Warren and Bradley County and the Bradley County Museum Board. She was recently elected to the Bradley Medical and Health Foundation Board.
Wardlaw and her husband, Jeff, live in Johnsville and are the parents of six children. She is a member of First Methodist Church in Warren.
Details regarding the date of the Republican Primary to fill the District 1 seat have not yet been announced.
