Rep. Eddie Armstrong Named New House Minority Leader

Rep. Eddie Armstrong (D-North Little Rock) is the new House Minority Leader replacing Rep. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville).

At a Democratic caucus meeting held Friday morning Armstrong, who is in his first term, was selected to serve in the leadership role.

“I’m honored the caucus thought enough to put me in this position,” Armstrong tells Talk Business & Politics. He said he would be working to bring House Democrats together in the next session, saying he wants unity, transparency and strong communication from his House caucus.

He was also very complimentary of outgoing House Minority Leader Leding.

“I have the utmost respect for Rep. Leding. He’s done yeoman’s work for our caucus.”

Leding tells Talk Business & Politics that the leadership change is a natural one for the caucus at this time of year. He said he’ll still be heavily invoked in efforts to win back the House of Representatives, which Republicans gained control of for the first time since Reconstruction in the last election cycle.

Entering his last term, Leding said he wants to focus on more legislative goals.

“I’m turning attention to some heavy lifting for my home district: paid family leave, presumptive protections for firefighters, the DREAM Act, pay equity, the New Jobs training bill, an entrepreneurs-in-residence program, and more,” he said.

Other House Democrats who were elected to leadership positions include:

• Minority Whip – Rep. Tommy Thompson (D-Morrilton)
• Secretary – Rep. David Whitaker (D-Fayetteville)
• Treasurer – Rep. John Baine (D-El Dorado)

Armstrong said he looked forward to working with Speaker-designate Rep. Jeremy Gillam (R-Judsonia), but he was also focused on Democrats regaining control of the House.

“With the Democratic candidates we have, we’ve got a great shot at taking the House back,” Armstrong said. “But I want to meet with Speaker-designate Gillam to make sure no matter what we can govern as close to the middle as we can.”