On Tuesday, Allison Grigsby Sweatman, a former Young Democrats of Arkansas president, declared her intention to run for the Arkansas Senate.
Sweatman, a clinical social worker by profession, is running for the Democratic nomination in Arkansas Senate District 13, which includes portions of Maumelle, Sherwood, Jacksonville, and North Little Rock, in 2026. Sen. Jane English (R-North Little Rock), who has served in the Senate since 2013, presently holds the seat; however, her term is set to expire in 2026.
The race might be more competitive than normal because of the open seat. At least two Republicans, attorney and former Arkansas Department of Human Services official Mischa Martin and state representative Brandon Achor (R-Maumelle) of District 13, have declared their intention to run for their party’s nomination.
Thus far, Sweatman is the sole Democratic contender. In the general election of 2022, she ran against English but lost with 44.3% of the vote.
In a press release, Sweatman stated, “I hear from families in our district all too often that no one is looking out for them.” While our health care is being reduced, our children’s public schools are being underfunded, and working families are finding it difficult to make ends meet, Arkansas legislators are giving tax advantages to the wealthy.
Sweatman, a vocal supporter of access to abortion, was interviewed by the Arkansas Times last year regarding her involvement in the grassroots effort to place abortion rights for Arkansans on the ballot in 2024. Despite collecting more than enough signatures on the petition, the group was unable to put an amendment on the ballot because they neglected to turn in a necessary piece of documentation.
Conversely, Achor declared his intention to run in May and received English’s endorsement, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Achor, a pharmacist, is in the Arkansas House for the second time.
In June, Mischa Martin declared her intention to run. Director of the Division of Children and Family Services, Arkansas’s agency for foster care and child protective services, was Martin’s longest-serving role at DHS. From 2016 until 2023, Martin was the director of DCFS. Before leaving the organization, he spent an additional 10 months in 2023 as the deputy secretary of kids and families.
Sweatman’s complete press release announcing her candidacy is available here:
[Little Rock, North] Grigsby, Allison Today, Sweatman declared her intention to run for the Arkansas State Senate in District 13. Sweatman, a former Christian missionary and mental health specialist, is running to prioritize working families.Sweatman stated, “I am running because working families deserve a State Senator who prioritizes them.” As a mother of two, I understand how difficult it is to make ends meet, keep up with the growing expense of living, and still hope for a brighter future for our children. Families in our district tell me all too frequently that no one is watching out for them. While our health care is being reduced, our children’s public schools are being underfunded, and working families are finding it difficult to make ends meet, Arkansas legislators are giving tax advantages to the wealthy. That must be altered.Sweatman has dedicated her professional life to assisting families in Arkansas in overcoming difficult obstacles. In her capacity as a mental health practitioner, she has addressed trauma, family stress, and special education requirements with both adults and children. She has provided crisis support to families, given advice to parents of disabled children, and assisted parents in navigating the public school system to make sure their kids get the services they require. Sweatman also gained firsthand experience with the legislative process while working for the Arkansas General Assembly in the Bureau of Legislative Research, deepening her understanding of how state policies directly affect working families.Her dedication to serve is firmly anchored in her community and faith. After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University, Sweatman and her husband served as Christian missionaries in Xi an, China where she taught English at a university and built relationships with students and families. Her work in Arkansas is still guided by her ideals of compassion and the power of service, which were reinforced by this experience.
Families in our community work hard every day, and they deserve leaders who work just as hard for them, said Sweatman. As your State Senator, I will fight to create a brighter future for all Arkansans, where our kids can learn in safe, well-funded public schools, working families can thrive, and our government finally treats everyday people with respect.In addition to her professional and missionary experience, Sweatman has been an active community leader. She served as President of the Young Democrats of Arkansas where she recruited and trained local leaders and organized efforts to engage voters statewide. She has also volunteered as a leader for parent support groups and child advocacy programs, helping families build community and access critical resources.Sweatman, an 8th generation Arkansan, grew up in Cabot in a family that understood both perseverance and resilience. After her father was paralyzed in a car accident shortly after Sweatman was born, she was raised by her mother, who now owns Chicken Country, a family restaurant in Jacksonville. Allison grew up waiting tables, washing dishes, and learning the value of serving others, a commitment she carries into her public service.Allison Grigsby Sweatman lives in North Little Rock with her husband Andrew and their two children.Senate District 13 includes parts of North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, and Maumelle. Sweatman is seeking the Democratic nomination in the March 3, 2026 primary.
For more information about Allison Grigsby Sweatman s campaign visitallisonforarkansas.com.
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