Spence announces GOP bid for House District 57

Paragould resident Ronnie Spence is running as a Republican for Arkansas House District 57 that is being vacated by Rep. Mary Broadaway, D-Paragould. Broadaway announced earlier this year she will not seek another term.

In his announcement, Spence said he supports conservative beliefs and ideals.

“My conservative message is still the same – repeal and replace the Private Option aka Arkansas Obamacare; protection of the unborn, (I am 100% pro-Life and do not support abortion under any terms); 100% pro 2nd Amendment; less government regulations and interference in our lives; lower taxes, to help bring in good paying jobs to Greene County; total local control of our public schools (parents, teachers, and local administration); and marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman and the Supreme Court by constitution had no authority in its ruling,” Spence said.

Spence said he learned a lot running in 2014, losing to Broadaway while picking up about 45% of the vote.

“As the Republican candidate, I know what it was like to run against an incumbent. In the 2014 election many people thought it was unlikely I would succeed and yet I still managed to get 44% of the vote in spite of being out spent 25 to 1. I am running as a Republican because that is what I am, and it’s what I believe with all my heart and soul, not because it is convenient,” he said.

He also plans to run a grassroots campaign.

“It is time we had an ordinary citizen representing us in Little Rock, someone who understands living off a pay check each week. As a current student at ASU and working for Andy Frain Services I understand what it is like to make a pay check stretch,” Spence said.

Republican Shawn Strouss of Paragould filed Monday for the seat, while Republican Jimmy Gazaway of Paragould has announced a bid as well.