A native of Little RockRepublican Hunter Sadler declared Monday that he would run against state representative Ashley Hudson for the House District 75 seat in the upcoming election.The entire district is in West Little Rock, extending westward to Hickory Lake Drive and touching the west side of I-430 between Hinson Road and W. Markham.
Sadler, 32, graduated from Arkansas State University in 2014 and is a captain in the Arkansas National Guard. Prior to becoming Congressman French Hill’s director of constituent services in March 2023, he served as the district representative, deputy campaign manager for operations, and field director for Hill since July 2018. County property records show that Sadler and his wife purchased a $365,000 home in West Little Rock the same month.
In a Facebook statement, Sadler said that his collaboration with Hill had given him a critical perspective on the problems that Arkansans face, which now informs his platform. Republican talking points included lowering high taxes, reducing red tape and regulations that hinder economic growth, and making sure that law enforcement and corrections have the resources they need to fight crime in the contemporary world.
“Unless it becomes apparent that I cannot effectively work here and simultaneously serve in the House,” Sadler stated, he intends to stay in his current position with Hill if he wins. These are the responsibilities listed on his LinkedIn site for Hill:
Oversee the member’s outreach and casework activities. Oversee two employees directly who represent all federal agencies and intergovernmental partners at various levels of government. Assist the District Director in developing the Member’s schedule for the weeks of Congressional Recess and advise the Member on matters pertaining to their District.
It’s unclear if Sadler’s efforts for Hill will ultimately help the party win the election. Hill has frequently been criticized for not being more accessible or receptive to the concerns of constituents. In 2024, he lost Pulaski County, including District 75, by almost 22,000 votes. Chris Jones, a past gubernatorial candidate who submitted a statement of candidacy to the Federal Election Commission on July 21, is anticipated to oppose Hill in 2026; this contest may have an effect on Little Rock attendance.
After defeating incumbent Republican Jim Sorvillo in 2020, Hudson was elected again in 2022 and 2024. She declared her candidacy for reelection on Facebook on Saturday.
Hudson has passed a number of bills in the Arkansas House, which has 100 members, while being one of just 19 Democrats. She sponsored successful proposals during this spring’s legislative session that created a driver’s license designation for registered sex offenders, forbade the sale of over-the-counter diet medicines to minors, and required insurance coverage for lactation consultants and nursing for new moms.
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