Alex Ray is second GOP candidate to join Land Commissioner race

Saline County resident Alex Ray said he intends to run for Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands. He joins Tommy Land in seeking the GOP nomination for the post to replace current officeholder John Thurston, who is term-limited. Democrat Shaun Hubanks has also indicated he will seek the position.

“Today, I am proud to announce my bid for the Office of Commissioner of State Lands. As your Land Commissioner I will leverage the power of the office to help create more good-paying jobs for hard-working Arkansans,” Ray said.

“With your support, we will develop new and efficient ways to drive more dollars back to counties to directly benefit our school districts, infrastructure projects, and essential county services. I look forward to traveling to all 75 counties and getting to know folks from every corner of the Natural State,” he added.

Ray is a business development leader at Johnson Controls in their public sector infrastructure division. In this role, he says he has worked closely with local governments, colleges and universities, and school districts across the state. Ray has also worked to advance the state’s renewable energy sector through his work with the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association as well as the Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers, where he currently serves as state president.

“I have spent years working hand-in-hand with leaders in county and municipal governments, higher education institutions, and school districts across the state helping them create more effective ways to serve Arkansas tax payers. I am excited and ready to bring my experience and expertise to the Office of Commissioner of State Lands,” he said.

Ray’s volunteer and community service participation also includes working with Junior Achievement of Arkansas, Little Rock Rotary Club 99, Ballet Arkansas, the Ouachita Baptist University Young Alumni Board, and the Saline County Republican Committee.

He and his wife, Lindsey, attend the Church at Rock Creek.

The primary election for the seat will be held in May 2018.