Nate Looney Announces Bid For House District 58 Seat

Jonesboro native and attorney Nate Looney launched his campaign for the Arkansas General Assembly on Wednesday (Aug. 19), saying he is running as a Democrat for House District 58.

District 58 covers Craighead County and is currently represented by first-term State Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro.

“I am thrilled to be part of this process, and I’m excited about the opportunity to talk with voters in District 58 about our state’s future,” said Looney.

Looney said his primary focus will be to work with community leaders and residents to enhance economic development activity in the region.

“Economic development is directly linked to health care, education, and infrastructure. As a state, we must make investments in these areas now if we are going to be competitive in the future,” said Looney.

One of the greatest challenges Looney sees facing the state today is the political environment. In a time plagued by political gridlock, Looney said he wants to see a return of civility in government. “People are tired of all the fighting and all the political games. People want and deserve results.”

Looney is a graduate of Jonesboro High School and served as student council president. He also graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics from the University of Arkansas. While on campus, he was elected president of the student body.

Additionally, Looney obtained a Masters of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Bowen School of Law.

Looney practices law with an Arkansas-based law firm in Jonesboro. Prior to returning to Jonesboro to practice law, Looney served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Arkansas.

“The first move of the campaign will be to meet prospective voters throughout District 58. I’m humbled by the support we have received from Jonesboro voters so early in the process,” said Looney.

Smith, who defeated then-Rep. Harold Copenhaver, D-Jonesboro, during the 2014 campaign, said he is running for a second term and plans to make a formal announcement the first week in September.

As for his new opponent, Smith said the American system of government helps to foster a strong give-and-take.

“My whole thing is that this is our system. We need competition and a good exchange of ideas,” Smith said, noting he is looking forward to a series of debates next year.