Leslie Rutledge joins GOP race for AG

On Monday (July 1) Leslie Rutledge announced she will seek the Republican nomination for Arkansas Attorney General. Republican David Sterling has also declared he will run for the Attorney General post.


Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (D) is term-limited. No Democrats have announced for the position.


Rutledge, a former deputy prosecutor, has also served as legal counsel for the Republican National Committee and former Gov. Mike Huckabee, who endorsed her. She is currently practicing law at The Rutledge Firm, PLLC, in Little Rock.


“I have the experience, prosecutorial background, and conservative principles to move Arkansas forward.” Rutledge said at the start of a day-long statewide announcement tour. “Arkansas deserves to be free from those who seek to rip us off, abuse seniors, harm consumers and from an overreaching federal government. Without freedom we can’t have opportunity. If elected as Attorney General, I will be vigilant in protecting that freedom to ensure our opportunity.”


In Rutledge’s announcement advisory, she vowed to:
• Protect Arkansas Seniors

• Prosecute Crime and Internet Predators

• Stand Up to Federal Overreach
• Create Jobs

• Protect Consumers
• Protect the Sanctity of Life

• Preserve Second Amendment Rights


“It doesn’t matter who you are, if you try to take advantage of Arkansas citizens, I will prosecute you,” Rutledge said in her announcement. “Breaking Arkansas law is never good for jobs, freedom or prosperity.”


Former Third District Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt also endorsed Rutledge and will serve as her campaign chairman.


“Leslie Rutledge is precisely that type of individual who will stand up for strong conservative principles and the very things we hold dear here in our wonderful state,” Hammerschmidt said. “I know her to be a lifelong conservative Republican who will represent our Arkansas values. So I have agreed to serve as chairman of her campaign for Attorney General of Arkansas. She will serve all of us well.”


Rutledge is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and received her law degree from the William H. Bowen School of Law in Little Rock. She has clerked on the Arkansas Court of Appeals for now Associate Supreme Court Justice Josephine Hart.