State Sen. Wallace to seek re-election, Manila doctor to challenge

State Sen. Dave Wallace, R-Leachville, will seek another term in the Arkansas State Senate from District 19. He will be challenged in the GOP primary by Manila doctor, Tommy Wagner.

The district covers Mississippi, most of Poinsett, and parts of Craighead County.

Since being elected to the State Senate in 2016, Wallace, 74, has voted to cut taxes and worked on legislation to boost the steel industry.

“I have spent my adult life serving my beloved country as a soldier, my beautiful state as a legislator, and my hometown as a city alderman. During that time, my focus has consistently been on serving my fellow citizens, always placing their best interests above my personal gain,” Wallace said.

“I’ve been a staunch advocate for our conservative values my entire life – I’ve always defended the 2nd Amendment, I’m 100% Pro-Life, and I have consistently demonstrated my dedication to fiscal responsibility by voting to lower our tax burden while still supporting education at the highest levels in our state’s history,” Wallace added.

He serves on the Public Health Committee, Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committee, and serves as Chairman of Legislative Audit Committee.

Dr. Tommy Wayne Wagner Jr. of Manila said he will challenge Wallace in the Republican primary next spring, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Wagner, 47, has been owner of Wagner Medical Clinic, a primary care physician practice serving Northeast Arkansas.