Former State Sen. Joyce Elliott suffers stroke

Former State Sen. Joyce Elliott, who twice ran for U.S. Congress, has suffered a stroke while out of town, but is back in a Little Rock hospital receiving treatment.

Elliott was a Democratic State Senator in Little Rock from 2008 to 2020. She previously served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006. She was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress, District 2 in 2010 and 2020.

After her tenure in the legislature, Elliott launched a nonprofit, Get Loud Arkansas, aimed at improving voter registration and participation.

A statement received by Talk Business & Politics from her family reads:

“This week, while in Dallas, Senator Joyce Elliott experienced a stroke. After two days of treatment in Texas, Senator Elliott was transferred to Little Rock and is now receiving care where she can be close to home. She underwent a successful surgery, but doctors have not made any determinations about her long-term prognosis. It is expected that she will begin a rehabilitation program as soon as she is able.

“Joyce Elliott, known as the state’s liberal lioness, is a life-long educator. She served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007 and in the Arkansas Senate from 2009 to 2023. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Get Loud Arkansas where she seeks to increase civic participation. She is a proud native of Willisville, Arkansas (Nevada County) and a graduate of Southern Arkansas University and Ouachita Baptist University.

“The next week is critical. We respectfully ask that you honor her family’s request for much needed privacy and refrain from calls or visits at this time. We will issue another statement in the upcoming days. In the interim, we humbly ask for your prayers.”

Talk Business & Politics will update this story if more information is received.