State Senator Kim Hammer announces Secretary of State bid

Position will be up for grabs in 2026

A TIMES STAFF REPORT

www.theeveningtimes.com

LITTLE ROCK — A Central Arkansas state senator said late Monday that he will be running for Arkansas’ Secretary of State next year, citing his experience in the legislature as a possible plus with voters.

State Sen. Kim Hammer (R-Benton) said he will be running in the GOP primary. Sen. Hammer was elected to the state Senate in 2018, taking office in 2019, and served in the state House from 2010 to 2018.

The state senator said he hopes to use his experience, if elected next year.

“It has been one of my great joys in life to serve the people of Arkansas as a legislator. I would like to continue to serve Arkansans as their Secretary of State,” Sen. Hammer said. “If elected, I will use my experience and work with both the legislative and administrative branches of government for the overall good and benefit of Arkansans.”

Sen. Hammer said in a media release that he has been a key leader on election reform issues in the state, working to help Arkansas become a top state for election integrity and security. He said he also plans to work with county clerks and election commissioners on the election process, so that “voters can continue to have confidence in our process.”

The state senator also noted that he has been endorsed by the Arkansas State Chamber and the National Federation of Independent Businesses in several campaigns due to his pro-business record.

He also said he plans to continue working on maintaining the state Capitol grounds at a high level.

“Arkansas has one of the most prestigious capitol grounds in the nation. My goal would be to preserve the integrity, safety and beauty of the Capitol grounds,” Hammer said.

Cole Jester was appointed Secretary of State on Dec. 20 by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to fill the unexpired term of then-Secretary of State John Thurston.

Thurston was elected State Treasurer in November. According to state law, Jester cannot run for the office in 2026 due to being appointed to the position.

“If elected, I will use my experience and work with both the legislative and administrative branches of government for the overall good and benefit of Arkansans.”

SEN. KIM HAMMER

HAMMER