Sen. John Cooper Announces Re-election Bid

Surrounded by family, supporters, and elected officials from around the state, State Senator John Cooper, R-Jonesboro, announced his re-election campaign Wednesday night at an event headlined by Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

“I wake up every day thankful for the opportunity to serve Craighead County,” Cooper said. “We are making a positive impact at the state capitol as we continue to promote limited government, responsible spending and efficient access to healthcare. If re-elected, I will continue to stand up for the values of everyday Arkansans.”

In his first term, Cooper voted for the largest middle income tax cut in state history and to include computer coding curriculum in public schools. Both items were campaign pledges of Hutchinson, who won Craighead County and the state last November by defeating Democrat Mike Ross.

“John Cooper is making a difference for Northeast Arkansas,” Hutchinson said. “His ability to get along with everyone despite political difference has made him an effective leader at the capitol. He is someone I am excited to endorse and look forward to working with for many years to come.”

As a member of the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee, Cooper sponsored legislation that granted terminally ill patients the ability to try experimental drugs and devices.

Cooper also supported a bill that became law to end the Private Option in 2016, while charging a task force to find options for reshaping health care in Arkansas by the end of 2015. Cooper is a member of the Health Reform Legislative Task Force that was constructed from the legislation and is looking at alternatives to health care revisions.

Also a member of Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development, he passed a bill during the recent special session that will speed up the process of U.S. 63 becoming I-555. Cooper said the new law will ensure Jonesboro stays an economic hub for many years to come and continues protections for area farmers who transport equipment and goods on the highway.

Another piece of legislation Cooper was responsible for was Act 186, which protected the privacy of Arkansans who are customers of municipality owned utilities.

Before the legislation was approved, a city-owned utility was required to turn over data to any individual that submitted a freedom of information request.

This data included personal information of customers and sensitive utility infrastructure records. Under the new law, this data can no longer be handed over.

“I believe government should be promoting a healthy economy and not causing unprovoked stress,” Cooper said. “That’s why I focus on removing red tape and making it easier for people to live happy and healthy lives.”

Cooper was first elected to the State Senate during a special election in 2014.

He and his wife Sue are longtime residents of Jonesboro and have two children and four grandchildren. He retired from the communications industry after 35 years with AT&T and is a Vietnam-era Veteran.

District 21 is made up of the city of Jonesboro and rural areas of Craighead County.