LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Despite a Republican win on the national front, the Democratic Party of Arkansas is celebrating its own victory after they were able to accomplish a decades-long goal.
Chair of the Arkansas Democratic Party, Grant Tennille, announced on election night that for the first time in twenty years, the Democrats were able to add legislative seats in this cycle.
According to Tennille, Diana Worthen from District 9 is the first person to unseat an incumbent in 20 years. He also mentioned how Worthen is making history as the first Latina state representative.
Two new rising politicians Jessie McGruder (District 35) and Lincoln Barnett (District 63) managed to beat their candidates for the first time running.
Tennille explained how it was also nice to see those who ran before being able to secure their seats in the House of Representatives.
"I think one of the things to remember is our candidate who flipped the seat up in Springdale. Diana Worthen and this was her third time out, so I do think that there's something to be said for making those connections in the community and growing them over time," Tennille said.
This year's election had the most democrats on the 2024 ballot than any year in the last decade, and Tennille explained how the party will continue to build off this in years to come.
"We've got a number who are considering coming back and running again, and I encourage them to do so," Tennille described.
Here is a list of incumbents who kept their seats in the House of Representatives:
Steve Magie (D) STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 56
Mark Perry (D) STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 66
Ashley Hudson (D) STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 75
Here is the list of incumbents who unseated an incumbent:
Diana Worthen (D) STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 9
Here is the list of candidates who beat another candidate running for the first time:
Jessie McGruder (D) STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 35
Lincoln Barnett (D) STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 63