LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Secretary of State John Thurston was elected as the next state treasurer on Tuesday, defeating Democrat John Pagan and Libertarian Michael Pakko.
Thurston, a Republican, has now held three positions in Arkansas's state government. He was first elected in 2010 as the Land Commissioner and served two terms, then was elected in 2018 as the Secretary of State.
Although votes are still being counted, Thurston currently leads Pagan and Pakko with 65% of the votes with 74% of the votes counted.
The Little Rock native made headlines this year for rejecting the abortion access and medical marijuana expansion ballot measures over technical issues regarding paid canvassers. According to court filings, he also said that votes on the casino amendment should not be counted.
Thurston graduated from Sheridan High School in 1991, has a diploma in biblical studies from Agape College, and has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
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