I'm Rep. Jessie McGruder.
I was raised in the Delta and have lived in Crittenden County with my family for 9 years. As a lifelong Arkansan, I believe our community deserves a leader who will fight for everyone - not just some.
I currently represent District 35 in the Arkansas House. I'm also a public school teacher and football coach, and I previously served our community as a police officer. All that people-focused work has opened my eyes to the issues that our community faces, and I'm eager to continue leveling the playing field for all Arkansans. I'm the candidate for State Senate who will put your family first.
Opportunity
For years, I've been investing in the young people and families of our community. From the classroom to the football field, what I've seen is simple: when children and families have opportunity, they thrive. In the State Senate, I'll continue my work to strengthen our public schools - the only learning environments required to teach every child, and the only learning environments held to high public standards. I'll work with regional stakeholders and my colleagues in the Legislature to bring more good-paying jobs to the area, so our children and grandchildren don't have to leave to live their dream.
Affordability
It is deeply concerning that hospitals are closing across rural Arkansas. Our communities cannot thrive without access to healthcare, yet there is little to no financial assistance for cities struggling with population loss. At the same time, there is no clear plan to recruit businesses or create sustainable jobs in the Delta. Supporting small businesses along with our local schools is essential to the survival of our communities. We cannot allow rural Arkansas to be left behind. We must invest in our healthcare systems, support our small towns, and create real strategies to bring opportunity back to the Delta.
Community
What guides my approach to our community is my background as a teacher and coach, my work as a police officer and in therapeutic foster care, and my deep faith. In the classroom, you don't get to ignore a student because they're the wrong political party. On the beat, you keep everyone safe, not just some. On the football field, no one gets counted out because of the color of their skin. Our community is strong, and we need a State Senator who's committed to bringing people together, not one who will chase the latest culture war and drive people apart. I'll be a State Senator for ALL families.
