Open House seat in Benton draws McClure into race, others considering

by Roby Brock ([email protected]) 2,759 views 

Marietta McClure announced Wednesday (Oct. 30) her bid to seek the Republican nomination for Arkansas House District 28, a seat currently held by Rep. Jasen Kelly, R-Benton, who is not seeking re-election.

The district in Saline County includes portions of Benton, Bauxite, and Haskell.

“For the past 12 years, I have proudly called Saline County home and am prepared to use my experience and work ethic as a small business owner
and community leader to serve the constituents of District 28,” McClure said.

She has previously served as a legislative analyst with the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research. McClure owns and operates McClure Fitness in Benton and she holds a political science degree from the University of Arkansas.

McClure has received an early endorsement from Benton Mayor Tom Farmer. She and her husband, Kent, a commercial banker at Farmer’s Bank & Trust, have four children.

Others expressing interest in the seat include Republican Jason Tolbert, who works at Ouachita Baptist University and is a former contributor to Talk Business & Politics, and Dustin Parsons, a Democrat who sought the seat in 2018. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette first reported their interest in the seat.