Jessie McGruder: From coach to lawmaker

District 35 Representativeelect says he plans to hold town hall meetings to hear constituents’ concerns

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

In an election season rife with surprises, the outcome in Arkansas’s House District 35 provided a particularly notable twist. Jessie McGruder, 46, emerged victorious, though initial reports last week from The Times incorrectly stated his opponent, Robert Thorne Jr., had won. While Thorne Jr. did win in Crittenden County, he did not garner enough votes in the wider district.

For McGruder, the victory is not just a personal milestone but a testament to his deep roots and commitment to his community. Born and raised in West Helena, McGruder graduated from Barton High School before attending Arkansas State University (ASU), where he earned his undergraduate degree. Now married to his high school sweetheart and the proud father of six children, McGruder credits his family and faith as the cornerstones of his journey into politics.

Jessie’s inspiration to enter public service stems from a deeply personal experience. In February 2021, his _fth child, then 15, was suspended from school on charges of terroristic threatening. Though the charges were ultimately resolved, and his son was allowed to return to school – later graduating and

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McGruder, pictured here with his wife, six children and extended family, says he was inspired to get involved in politics after one of his kids was unjustly expelled from school.

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earning a full scholarship to ASU – the ordeal revealed systemic gaps.

“It was a wake-up call,” McGruder shared in a recent interview. “This is a good who had never been in trouble, never even sent to the principal’s of_ce. A good kid. So I hired a lawyer, fought it and won. I realized there must be others who don’t have the means to _ght situations like this and I might be able to help them.”

This pivotal moment led McGruder to become involved in local education issues. His efforts began with the school district and evolved into assisting on political campaigns, including those of State Representative Milton Nicks and Senator Reginald Murdoch.

McGruder’s victory was the result of meticulous preparation and support from key _gures in his community. He credits Councilman Demetrius Johnson of Earle and former Marion City Councilwoman Sherry Holliman for their instrumental roles in his campaign.

“They offered so much assistance and guidance,” Mc-Gruder said. “Being a coach, I always believed we were going to win. We planned and prepped to succeed.”

As McGruder transitions into his role as a state representative, he remains grounded in his commitment to the Delta region. He plans to host town hall meetings to hear directly from constituents and tackle pressing issues, particularly in education.

“Teachers in our area are frustrated,” he said. “They can leave for other parts of the state and make more money. I want to see what we can do to better compensate educators and support our communities.”

Despite his new responsibilities, McGruder will continue his work as a coach at Wonder Junior High and remain deeply involved in community initiatives.

“I’m happy to serve District 35,” he said. “This is the best part of Arkansas, and I’m not planning on leaving – except for the initial three months I’ll need to spend in Little Rock.”

For McGruder, service is not just a duty; it’s a calling, one that began with a father’s _ght for justice and continues with his determination to uplift the people of the Delta.