Anna Beth Gorman announces for Secretary of State

Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Executive Director Anna Beth Gorman announced Friday (Oct. 29) she will seek the Democratic nomination for Arkansas Secretary of State.

“Arkansas has always been the land of opportunity, and I want to see all Arkansans enjoy those opportunities,” said Gorman. “For almost a decade, I have advocated for women and girls across all 75 counties in our state, and I’ve seen firsthand how disadvantaged communities can thrive when the right advocates are in place. I am running for Secretary of State to be the top opportunity advocate for everyone who chooses to pursue a better life in our beautiful state. I will be relentless in my effort to include the voices of Arkansans in our elections and economic development.”

Gorman joins a crowded field of candidates. Joshua Price has also announced on the Democratic side. Incumbent GOP Secretary of State John Thurston is seeking re-election for a second term. He is being challenged in the Republican primary by Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, and former State Sen. Eddie Joe Williams, R-Cabot.

In her role as executive director, Gorman has advocated for developing and fostering strategic relationships that enable the organization to play a critical role in addressing systemic issues that prevent women and girls from achieving economic and educational equity.

Prior to this role, she served in the executive leadership of the Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas as the organization’s chief membership volunteer, and program officer. She is a founding board member of the Southern Capital Project and serves on the boards of Arvest Bank, the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame, the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s executive committee, and is a gubernatorial appointee to the Governor’s Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force.

Gorman is also a member of Leadership Arkansas, Class XIII, the Rotary Club of Little Rock, Leadership Greater Little Rock’s XXXII class, and is also an alumna of the Junior League of Little Rock.

She released a campaign video announcement, which can be viewed below.