News & Press

Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for Governor of Arkansas, released this statement via his campaign social media channels earlier today: #SCOTUS overturning #Roe sets a dangerous precedent. No matter your race, age, or socioeconomics, we believe women and their doctors should have control over their medical decisions. Not the government, not politicians, and certainly not the courts. Make no mistake: This decision is an all out assault on women’s rights, an attack that’s been in the works for decades. And now, they’ve been able to overturn a decision that’s overwhelmingly popular everywhere, while also robbing women of their autonomy in the process.The attack on #Roe won’t just stop here, either. We’re already witnessing an attack on our voting rights, our right to privacy, our access to an education, and so much more. Our children will have fewer rights than our parents at this rate, and we just can’t let that happen.I’m disinterested in getting tangled in the weeds of the argument — a ban is a ban is a ban, and as governor, I will protect the rights of women. My opponent will not, and therein lies one of many big differences in our campaigns.True power lies within grassroots organizing and mass movements, like ours. #SCOTUS may have the jurisdiction to make this federal decision on #Roe, but we hold the power to protect everyone’s reproductive choices in Arkansas by mobilizing together despite our differences.Read our Promise to Defend Reproductive Rights:https://chrisforgovernor.com/p...

Chris Jones Continuing Statewide "Walk A Mile" Tour in Rogers and Searcy Democratic Nominee Begins Third Week of Walking Side-by-side With Arkansans in All 75 Counties PINE BLUFF, AR — Celebrating the one-year anniversary of the breakthrough launch of his candidacy for governor of Arkansas, Chris Jones has shared his stops for the third full week of his statewide Walk A Mile In Your Shoes tour: Rogers on Wednesday, June 22 and Searcy on Monday, June 27. Jones, the MIT-educated minister and physicist, introduced himself to the world and launched his candidacy on June 15, 2021 with the memorable "About Time” candidate biography video. The Walk A Mile events in Benton and White Counties will be the eight and ninth counties walked by Jones this June. Communities across Arkansas are responding positively and enthusiastically to Jones, who won the Democratic nomination handily in a crowded primary with 73% of the vote. The tour brings Jones to voters’ doorsteps in all 75 Arkansas counties. At each stop, Jones walks side-by-side with Arkansans, hosting kitchen-table issues and policy conversations on front porches, working alongside real Arkansans on shifts of their jobs, and walking at least one mile (yes, literally) alongside residents of all 75 Arkansas counties. “We’re walking neighborhoods across Arkansas, literally, in order to listen and learn and to share our vision with Arkansans. This campaign has always been about meeting voters where they’re at, and we’re out earning support block by block, border to border,” said Jones. “Sure, it’s hot out there in the Arkansas summer, but we wouldn’t want it any other way. In two weeks, we walked ten miles in nine counties with more than 200 Arkansans, and we’ll walk together with Arkansans at least 65 miles more–one mile in every county.” “These one-mile walks are a reminder of a time when neighbors walked with and talked to each other. Arkansans need a governor that understands the challenges they face because they’re willing to walk in their shoes. Arkansans are responding to our vision for our great state, and want a choice this November 8. We won’t stop until we can spread PB&J – Preschool, Broadband, & Jobs – across every corner of Arkansas. We won’t stop until we have unlocked the potential of Arkansas for every one of our neighbors across every last street.” Chris Jones For Governor Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Tour Event Schedule:* Wednesday, June 22Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes - Benton countyWhere: Rogers Activity Center 315 Olive St Rogers AR 72756When: 4:30 - 5:30 CTRSVP (not required) Monday, June 27Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes - White countyWhere: White County Courthoues 300 Spruce St Searcy, AR 72143When: 5:00- 6:00 pm CTRSVP (not required) *All event locations and times are subject to change. More dates and locations will be added as more stops are announced at ChrisForGovernor.com/WalkAMile. Jones made history as the state’s first African-American major party nominee for governor. Jones is not only a trailblazer for the governor’s office, but also across the entire state, potentially becoming the first African-American to be elected to statewide office. This tour marks Jones’s second time traveling to all 75 counties. During his February 2022 Promise of Arkansas Tour, Jones changed what it means to campaign in Arkansas, by listening and learning from all communities, by building an enduring and resilient grassroots campaign, and by sharing his vision. Jones aspires to help Arkansans unlock their full potential and for the state to reach its promise through Faith, Hope and Hard Work. PRESS AVAILABILITY - 30 - About Chris Jones Dr. Chris Jones grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A son of two preachers, Chris was raised with a strong sense of faith. He attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship, for physics and math, then went on to study at MIT becoming a nuclear engineer and earning a Ph.D. in urban planning. After becoming ordained as a minister, Chris returned home to Arkansas and led the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how disparities within Arkansas have gotten worse, not better. He believes there is much room for growth, including improving public education opportunities in every community, strengthening infrastructure from roads to broadband access, protecting and securing our right to vote, and bridging the rural and urban divide. Chris has faith in Arkansas’s potential, and he’s running for governor to ensure every person in Arkansas has an opportunity to succeed.

On Wednesday, June 15, Communications Workers of America (CWA) issued this endorsement statement in support of Chris Jones for Governor of Arkansas. Communications Workers of America (CWA) is proud to endorse Dr. Chris Jones to be the next Governor of Arkansas. Dr. Chris Jones has met with CWA local leaders in Arkansas and has demonstrated his support for organized labor and policies that benefit working people. He is committed to being a champion on CWA priorities such as expanding access to high-speed broadband internet for all and helping to create more good union jobs is the process. Dr. Chris Jones shared his inspiring vision for Arkansas when he addressed our union leadership at the CWA District 6 Political Convening in May 2022. CWA leaders and activists were moved by Dr. Jones’ passion for bringing communities together and implementing solutions that address the challenges that the working people of Arkansas are facing. As former executive director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub and with a Ph.D. in urban planning, Dr. Chris Jones is more than qualified to create more economic opportunities and improve economic mobility for the residents of Arkansas from the bottom-up as Governor. Dr. Jones is someone who will take bold action to address the challenges of our times and improve the lives of all working people in Arkansas. For those reasons, CWA is proud to endorse Dr. Chris Jones as the next Governor of Arkansas.

Chris Jones Returns to Hometown of Pine Bluff During Statewide Walk A Mile Tour Democratic Nominee Begins Second Week of Walking Side-by-side With Arkansans in All 75 Counties PINE BLUFF, AR — Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for Governor of Arkansas, is set to start the second full week of his statewide Walk A Mile In Your Shoes tour in Pine Bluff on Thursday, June 9. This week, Jones will also meet with Arkansans in Monticello, Warren and Malvern. Communities across Arkansas have been responding positively and enthusiastically to Jones, who won handily in a crowded primary with over 70% of the vote. The tour – which started June 1 in Little Rock and has included community walks in Conway, Forrest City, Camden and Fayetteville – will bring Jones and his team to voters’ doorsteps in all 75 Arkansas counties. At each stop, Jones walks side-by-side with Arkansans, hosting kitchen-table issues and policy conversations on front porches, working alongside real Arkansans on shifts of their jobs, and walking at least one mile (yes, literally) alongside residents of all 75 Arkansas counties. “This campaign has always been about meeting voters where they’re at. Which is why we’re so excited to launch our Walk a Mile in Your Shoes Tour this summer and visit with voters in every single county. In one week, we walked five miles in four counties with 115 Arkansans,” said Jones. “We’re traveling to all 75 countries, for the second time this year, and this time we are walking–together with Arkansans–one mile in every county. These one-mile walks are a reminder of a time when neighbors walked with and talked to each other. Arkansans need a governor that understands the challenges they face because they’re willing to walk in their shoes. We’re back on the road to speak with Arkansans about our vision to address the serious challenges our communities face and spread PB&J (Preschool, Broadband, & Jobs) across every corner of Arkansas. We won’t stop until we have unlocked the potential of Arkansas for every one of our neighbors across every last street.” Chris Jones For Governor Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Tour Event Schedule:* Thursday, June 9 Event: Pop-Up Health, Dental and Voter Registration ClinicWhere: Pine Bluff Campaign Office - 3006 S. Olive St. Pine Bluff, AR 71603When: 12:00 Noon–2 pm CTRSVP (not required) Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Jefferson CountyWhere: Pine Bluff, ARWhen: 3:30-4:30 pm CTRSVP (not required) Friday, June 10Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Drew CountyWhere: Monticello, AR - Civic Center- Monticello Square, W McCloy St, Monticello, AR 71655When: 3-4 pm CTRSVP (not required) Event: Meet & Greet – Bradley County Tomato FestivalWhere: Warren, AR - Pink Tomato Festival, 104 Myrtle, Warren, AR 71671When: TBD Saturday, June 11Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Hot Springs CountyWhere: Malvern, ARWhen: 7-8 pm CTRSVP (not required) *All event locations and times are subject to change. More dates and locations will be added as more stops are announced at ChrisForGovernor.com/WalkAMile. Jones made history as the state’s first African-American major party nominee for governor. Jones is not only a trailblazer for the governor’s office, but also across the entire state, potentially becoming the first African-American to be elected to statewide office. This tour marks Jones’s second time traveling to all 75 counties. During his February 2022 Promise of Arkansas Tour, Jones changed what it means to campaign in Arkansas, by listening and learning from all communities, by building an enduring and resilient grassroots campaign, and by sharing his vision. Jones aspires to help Arkansans unlock their full potential and for the state to reach its promise through Faith, Hope and Hard Work. PRESS AVAILABILITY About Chris Jones Dr. Chris Jones grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A son of two preachers, Chris was raised with a strong sense of faith. He attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship, for physics and math, then went on to study at MIT becoming a nuclear engineer and earning a Ph.D. in urban planning. After becoming ordained as a minister, Chris returned home to Arkansas and led the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how disparities within Arkansas have gotten worse, not better. He believes there is much room for growth, including improving public education opportunities in every community, strengthening infrastructure from roads to broadband access, protecting and securing our right to vote, and bridging the rural and urban divide. Chris has faith in Arkansas’s potential, and he’s running for governor to ensure every person in Arkansas has an opportunity to succeed.

Chris Jones For Governor Campaign Set To Launch Statewide Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Tour Democratic Nominee Set To Kickoff Tour With Little Rock Rally on Wednesday, June 1 LITTLE ROCK, AR — Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for Governor of Arkansas, will kick off his statewide Walk A Mile In Your Shoes tour in Little Rock on Wednesday, June 1. Jones, who won handily in a crowded primary with over 70% of the vote, is excited to get back on the trail. The tour will bring Jones and his team to voters’ doorsteps in all 75 Arkansas counties. At each stop, Jones will walk side-by-side with Arkansans, hosting kitchen-table issues and policy conversations on front porches, working alongside real Arkansans on shifts of their jobs, and walking at least one mile (yes, literally) alongside residents of all 75 Arkansas counties. “We will once again travel to all 75 countries and will walk–together with Arkansans–one mile in every county. These one-mile walks are a reminder of a time when neighbors walked with and talked to each other,” said Jones. “Arkansans need a governor that understands the challenges they face because they’re willing to walk in their shoes. We’re back on the road to speak with Arkansans about our vision to address the serious challenges our communities face and spread PB&J (Preschool, Broadband, & Jobs) across every corner of Arkansas. We won’t stop until we have unlocked the potential of Arkansas for every one of our neighbors across every last street. Arkansas, now and as your governor, I’ll always meet you where you are– because that’s where growth starts. Together, we can elevate our politics – and our great state. Join us.” Chris Jones For Governor Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Tour Event Schedule:* Wednesday, June 1 Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Pulaski CountyWhere: Start at Community Bakery, 1200 Main St Little Rock, AR 72202When: 3:45-5:15 pm CT Event: Primary Election Win CelebrationWhere: Chris Jones for Governor Little Rock Campaign Office, 1803 Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72206When: 5:30-7:30 pm CT Thursday, June 2Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Faulkner CountyWhere: Conway, AR TBDWhen: 5-5:45 pm CT Friday, June 3Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – St. Francis CountyWhere: Forrest City, AR TBDWhen: 10:45-11:45 am CT Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Ouachita CountyWhere: First Friday Camden, Washington Street, Camden, ARWhen: 6-7 pm CT Saturday, June 4Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Washington CountyWhere: Fayetteville, AR TBDWhen: 12:15-1:15 pm CT *All event locations and times are subject to change. More dates and locations will be added as more stops are announced at ChrisForGovernor.com/WalkAMile. Jones made history as the state’s first African-Amercian major party nominee for governor. Jones is not only a trailblazer for the governor’s office, but also across the entire state, potentially becoming the first African-American to be elected to statewide office. This tour marks Jones’s second time traveling to all 75 counties. During his February 2022 Promise of Arkansas Tour, Jones changed what it means to campaign in Arkansas, by listening and learning from all communities, by building an enduring and resilient grassroots campaign, and by sharing his vision. Jones aspires to help Arkansans unlock their full potential and for the state to reach its promise through Faith, Hope and Hard Work. PRESS AVAILABILITY - 30 - About Chris Jones Dr. Chris Jones grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A son of two preachers, Chris was raised with a strong sense of faith. He attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship, for physics and math, then went on to study at MIT becoming a nuclear engineer and earning a Ph.D. in urban planning. After becoming ordained as a minister, Chris returned home to Arkansas and led the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how disparities within Arkansas have gotten worse, not better. He believes there is much room for growth, including improving public education opportunities in every community, strengthening infrastructure from roads to broadband access, protecting and securing our right to vote, and bridging the rural and urban divide. Chris has faith in Arkansas’s potential, and he’s running for governor to ensure every person in Arkansas has an opportunity to succeed.

Chris Jones Wins the Arkansas Democratic Gubernatorial Nomination NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS — Despite a crowded field, Dr. Chris Jones secured more than 70 percent of votes on Tuesday to win the Democratic nomination in the 2022 Arkansas governor race. Jones makes history as the first Black American nominated for any statewide office in Arkansas. The following is a transcript of his prepared remarks, delivered in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Tuesday night. In the speech, Jones recognizes the other candidates with whom he competed for the nomination, and thanked all Arkansans who voted in the primary. As he turned his attention to November’s election, he kept his focus on Arkansas, and with an inspiring message to “turn from a politics of fear, hate and cronyism and choose a politics of Faith, Hope, and Hard Work.” "A Choice" - Tuesday, May 24, 2022As prepared for delivery. My name is Chris Jones and I am honored to be the Democratic Nominee for Governor of this great state of Arkansas A first-time candidate. A grassroots campaign. A little black boy, born and raised in Pine Bluff who grew up riding dirt bikes, eating honeysuckle, fighting grasshoppers, and wearing hand me down clothes. From Lewisville to Bentonville. From Chicot County to Pulaski County. Across this entire state – Tonight. Together. We made history. First, I want to thank God. To whom I owe everything and who should get all the credit. I want to pause for a moment of silence for the horrific shooting in Texas. At least 18 young lives were senselessly taken. My heart goes out to all the families impacted. (Pause.) Tonight is indeed historic. I want to thank everyone who got us here: our campaign team, the friends who volunteered, and my family who is here with me tonight. My parents, Beverly and Leon Jones, my wife, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, and our three daughters Jordyn, Janelle, and Jasmine. I also want to recognize the other candidates who fought for their belief in a better state including the other Democratic gubernatorial candidates Supha Mays, Anthony Bland, James Russell, and Jay Martin - and all candidates who stepped up - up and down the ballot. A CHOICE Almost one year ago, we started this journey. Since that time, we’ve gathered in barbeque restaurants in Pigot, festivals in Dumas, libraries in Eureka Springs, cookouts in Ashdown, and churches in Camden to begin the work of dreaming of a new Arkansas. Let’s be very clear. In November, Arkansas will make history. We will either elect the first woman or the first African-American to this very seat. Here’s the truth - Neither should ever be a barrier again. The question we must ask ourselves is “Is your politician qualified to make your life better?” Are they willing to listen to every Arkansan, regardless of party affiliation? Do they lean into the tough questions and lead with the right heart? Do they respect you with the truth? and honor you with their behavior?Have they worked with the public and private sector to improve economic conditions in communities?Are they preparing for a brighter future by working together to address big challenges like climate chaos and healthcare access?Are they willing to put in the work or do they feel entitled to the position?Are they willing to stand up for our most vulnerable and forgotten, whether they be LGBTQ, rural, homeless veterans, disabled, incarcerated, drug addicted, immigrants or any other group that can be made an easy target? More importantly - are they willing to meet you where you are? This campaign is. And as Governor, I will. That’s why we have traveled to all 75 counties and listened to Arkansans in every pocket of our state. We believe that – whether you are a janitor closing in on the final hours of your 12-hour shift or a construction worker working your fingers to the bone in order to provide for your family – you deserve to be heard. Arkansas was built through the sweat of our values. Through grandparents' prayers and children’s laughter- Arkansans at home and abroad are the visions and dreams of our ancestors. These dreams are what ground us and hold us to our truth. PB&J We have listened and we’ve shared our agenda. While there are a range of critical cross-cutting issues we face, Arkansans are clear that the key to unleashing our potential is spreading PB&J across every corner of the state. And what’s PB&J? Preschool, Broadband, and Job. Say it again? Preschool, Broadband, and Job. That’s high quality education starting with preschool, solid infrastructure starting with broadband for everyone, and real economic development starting with good paying jobs. Every Arkansan deserves these things, whether you vote for me now, in November or never. And as Governor, I’d commit myself to spreading PB&J to all Arkansans. Why? Because Arkansans are tired of the politics of division and fear. NUCLEAR POWER As I’ve listened, I have been reminded of something I learned in my nuclear engineering classes. There are two types of nuclear power. One type is Nuclear Fision. It’s where you take an atom and split it. When you split it, energy is released. This energy is powerful but it only comes because you divide. Our politics today is too close to the politics of nuclear fission. It’s a politics based on fear, hate and cronyism. A politics that is dividing us against each other and where belonging requires turning neighbors into enemies. Arkansans have been clear that they are sick and tired of that kind of politics. But there is another type of energy. Nuclear Fusion. Nuclear Fusion is the combining of atoms. When you combine atoms, you also release energy. That fusion energy (joining and combining) is actually far more powerful than nuclear fission (splitting and dividing). It takes a lot of effort to create nuclear fusion but it does occur in nature. The sun is a big ball of nuclear fusion and there is nothing more powerful than the sun. Some of you will get that later. This kind of “coming together or fusion” politics takes a lot of work. It means atoms, that have not always seen eye to eye, must join together and work together. This kind of “coming together or fusion” politics means taking risks. When we come together, when we take risks, when we are willing to put old divisions behind us, when we join as One Arkansas, what we can create is beyond our wildest dreams. This kind of “coming together or fusion” is what Arkansans are asking for. A politics based on Faith, Hope, and Hard Work. This type of nuclear fusion politics requires that we meet people where they are and make space for them in the room where it’s happening. This type of nuclear fusion politics demands that we put forth the effort to understand our neighbors struggles, their pains, their joys, and their journey. This type of nuclear fusion politics needs us to literally put ourselves in their shoes. WALK A MILE IN YOUR SHOES So starting next week - we will continue the work with the launch of our Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Tour. Through this tour - we will once again travel to all 75 counties and will walk, together with Arkansans, one mile in every county. These one mile walks are a reminder of a time when neighbors walked with and talked to each other. Go to our website chrisforgovernor.com to find out more and stay tuned for updates in the coming days. Our Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Tour is headed your way. Join us on this journey. We can turn from a politics of fear, hate and cronyism (nuclear fission politics) and choose a politics of Faith, Hope, and Hard Work (nuclear fusion politics). TRUTH The truth is, They say we’re the underdog in this race. They say that we are facing a giant.That the machine is too massive to overcome. BUT I know Arkansas. I have 200 years of Arkansas in my blood. I have visited every county in this great state of ours. I know something different is in the air. BUMBLE BEE Most of you in the room have a bumble bee pin that looks like this. (Holds up pin.) How many of you have ever been bitten by a bumble bee? How many of you have ever seen a bumble bee? There is something strange about its body. When scientists were studying how a bumble bee flies they were confused. It did not make sense. You see, it has this massive body when compared to its tiny wings. The best minds could not figure it out so they concluded that it was aerodynamically impossible for the bumble bee to fly. A bumble bee that can’t fly is a dead bumble bee. But guess what? The bumble bee just refused to listen, and it flies anyway. Despite being told that it does not have enough resources. It flies. Despite hearing that it is not well known enough. It flies. We have to be like the bumble bee. Ignore the experts and those who think they know what will or won’t happen. Ignore the experts who say no one will vote. If we had listened, we would not have taken flight and made it this far. If we had listened, we would not have unleashed the hopes and dreams of so many. LIFT UP ONE ANOTHER Everyone in this room and watching on TV or online, please hold your hands as high as you can in the air. Reach high. That’s us being like the bumble bee and flying. That’s us putting in the work of engaging voters in every corner of the state. That’s us awakening Arkansas’s True Grit. Now, raise your hands a little higher. You see what you did? I asked you to raise your hand as high as you could, which should have been the limit. But then I asked you to push yourself just a little bit harder. Reach just a little higher. You did it. We each have a little more lift inside of us waiting to take us higher. The little further stretch. That is where we accomplish the impossible. That is where Arkansas reaches the growth. This is the lift we need to engage the 1 million voters who could have voted last cycle but didn’t. This is the lift we need to show up in every county and on every street. This is the lift that we need to take us to a win in November. This is the lift we need to spread PB&J across the whole state. This is the lift we need to show that Faith, Hope, and Hard Work really does pay off. Now here is the interesting part of that bumble bee story. Decades later, scientists realized that as the bees were flapping their little tiny wings, there was a vortex created that created the extra lift that the bumble bee needed. The bumble bee always knew that it had that extra lift, it just took the experts a little longer to figure it out. Arkansas, we do not have to listen to how others define us. Let me say that again. Arkansans, we do not have to listen to how others define us. While the experts are figuring things out, let’s keep flying. We know we stand true to our belief in Faith, Hope, and Hard Work. So from Harrison, Arkansas to Little River County - I want to serve you. Not because of me - but with you. Not because of what they say - but because of the Arkansas we know. Not because of who they want for us but because of the type of leader we know we need. For this generation and the next. I’m honored. I’m grateful. I’m blessed. Thank You Arkansas. God bless you all and good night. - 30 - PRESS AVAILABILITY About Chris Jones Dr. Chris Jones grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A son of two preachers, Chris was raised with a strong sense of faith. He attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship, for physics and math, then went on to study at MIT becoming a nuclear engineer and earning a Ph.D. in urban planning. After becoming ordained as a minister, Chris returned home to Arkansas and led the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how disparities within Arkansas have gotten worse, not better. He believes there is much room for growth, including improving public education opportunities in every community, strengthening infrastructure from roads to broadband access, protecting and securing our right to vote, and bridging the rural and urban divide. Chris has faith in Arkansas’s potential, and he’s running for governor to ensure every person in Arkansas has an opportunity to succeed.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Endorses Chris Jones in Democratic Primary LITTLE ROCK, AR - In today's Sunday edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and ahead of the May 24 Arkansas primary election, the paper’s editorial page ran an editorial with its endorsements in primary gubernatorial races. The following editorial excerpts explained the paper’s support FOR Chris Jones in the Democratic primary for governor. And for governor . . . (Published May 15, 2022) … On the Democratic side of the primary election, Chris Jones seems to be heading for a win without a runoff, too. In a race with five people, that's not something to sneeze at. According to Talk Business, Mr. Jones polls at nearly 60 percent of the vote. It's easy to see why. Chris Jones is one of the most impressive candidates we've seen in years. Politics ain't rocket science, but sometimes rocket scientists get involved in politics. For example, see Chris Jones: physics and math degree from Morehouse on a NASA scholarship, master's degree in nuclear engineering from MIT, and a Ph.D. from MIT . . . . Don't take him on in a Jeopardy! binge-watch during Science Week. He told us his interest in politics started when he was 8 years old. His father took him somewhere, and he noticed a man at the center of attention called "a governor." The governor's name was Bill Clinton. He turned to his father: "I said, 'What's a governor?' "He said, 'Let's go home and look it up.'" Typical response from a parent back in those days. His father made young Chris go to the encyclopedia in the house and look it up. He's been interested in politics ever since. He hasn't held political office before but is no stranger to public speaking. He was the executive director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub and was active in his college(s). Chris Jones comes off as a different kind of Democrat--sometimes. He doesn't necessarily oppose charter schools, but he does want more funding for regular public ones. He says he wants strong borders, too. On other issues, he falls in line with the party, but still makes a lot of sense: On cutting income taxes, "I'm a mathematician, and the math doesn't add up . . . . We have unpaid bills. We have bridges that are collapsing," not to mention education needs. He's easy to listen to. Which might explain why he's doing so well on the campaign trail: "One thing that cuts across all of it, is people want to be heard. And they feel like they haven't been." (In some of the places he's visited, he says, the last Democratic candidate they saw in person was Bill Clinton.) We were talking to a friend the other day about this race, and especially what happens after these two primaries are over. He said it will be an interesting debate between Sarah Sanders and Chris Jones in October, or whenever it's scheduled. Both of these contenders [Jones as well as Republican candidate Sarah Sanders] are rising stars in their parties. But only one of them is world famous. And her personality, fund-raising and former boss might be too much for anybody to overcome. See the candidates who left the gubernatorial campaign once she got in it. But don't sleep on Chris Jones. If this past week has proven anything, it's that 80-to-1 long-shots sometimes pay off. To read the entire editorial, please visit: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/may/15/and-for-governor/ (This link might require a subscription. If so, we encourage you to consider subscribing; local journalism is worth paying for.) Today’s endorsement by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette follows a recent poll from Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College that affirmed that Jones is the frontrunner to clinch the party’s nomination for governor, garnering 60% of the vote, with no other contender cracking 5%. Jones has campaigned in all 75 counties, launched television and radio ad buys, has garnered endorsements from both grassroots volunteers and the leaders of the Democratic caucuses in the Arkansas House and Senate, and raised more than $1.7 million. The Jones campaign launched in his hometown of Pine Bluff and has opened a campaign office there, as well as in the rural community of Hughes, and in Little Rock. Jones is running to bring Preschool, Broadband, and Jobs to every part of Arkansas, leaving no community behind. In recent weeks, Jones has released three ad spots, including “Great Minds,” “Every Last Street” and “Skywalker.” ABOUT DR. CHRIS JONES Dr. Chris Jones grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A son of two preachers, Chris was raised with a strong sense of faith. He attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship for physics and math, then went on to study at MIT becoming a nuclear engineer and earning a Ph.D. in urban planning. After becoming ordained as a minister, Chris returned home to Arkansas and led the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how disparities within Arkansas have gotten worse, not better. He believes there is much room for growth, including improving public education opportunities in every community, strengthening infrastructure from roads to broadband access, protecting and securing our right to vote, and bridging the rural and urban divide. Chris has faith in Arkansas’s potential, and he is running for governor to ensure every person in Arkansas has an opportunity to succeed.

Democracy for America Endorses Dr. Chris Jones for Governor of Arkansas LITTLE ROCK, AR - Ahead of May 24’s Arkansas primary election, Democracy for America (DFA) has endorsed Dr. Chris Jones for Governor of Arkansas. DFA is an early supporter of Jones and is jumping in to support his candidacy. The winner of the Democratic primary is set to face Sarah Sanders in November’s general election “Chris Jones is a seventh generation Arkansan who has the brilliant mind and compassionate heart that voters need and he has the hopeful vision to spread opportunity across the state in a way that will help uplift Arkansans,” said Chris Scott, Chief Political Officer - Democracy for America . “The last thing Arkansas needs after these challenging years is division, lies and chaos. They need an innovative problem solver with a minister’s heart. Chris Jones has the momentum, the range and depth of experiences, the mind, the heart and the values to win this race, and DFA is more than ready to help him do it.” “It’s an honor to have the support and endorsement of Democracy for Action,” said Chris Jones. “So-called ‘red’ states like Arkansas are really non-voting states. With the support of DFA and thousands of Arkansans who are hungry to unlock the state’s potential, I know that we can turn out voters that have been ignored and left behind. Once elected, we can spread bold, people-centered opportunities across the state like PB&J — Preschool, Broadband and Jobs.” DFA has more than a million members nationwide, including many in Arkansas and others who are supporting its efforts in Arkansas. Last week’s poll from Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College affirmed that Jones is the frontrunner to clinch the party’s nomination for governor, garnering 60% of the vote, with no other contender cracking 5%. Jones has campaigned in all 75 counties, launched television and radio ad buys, has garnered endorsements from both grassroots volunteers and the leaders of the Democratic caucuses in the Arkansas House and Senate, and raised more than $1.5 million. The Jones campaign launched in his hometown of Pine Bluff and has opened a campaign office there, as well as in the rural community of Hughes, and in Little Rock. Jones is running to bring Preschool, Broadband, and Jobs to every part of Arkansas, leaving no community behind. In recent weeks, Jones has released three ad spots, including “Great Minds,” “Every Last Street” and “Skywalker.” ABOUT DR. CHRIS JONES Dr. Chris Jones grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A son of two preachers, Chris was raised with a strong sense of faith. He attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship for physics and math, then went on to study at MIT becoming a nuclear engineer and earning a Ph.D. in urban planning. After becoming ordained as a minister, Chris returned home to Arkansas and led the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how disparities within Arkansas have gotten worse, not better. He believes there is much room for growth, including improving public education opportunities in every community, strengthening infrastructure from roads to broadband access, protecting and securing our right to vote, and bridging the rural and urban divide. Chris has faith in Arkansas’s potential, and he is running for governor to ensure every person in Arkansas has an opportunity to succeed.

Chris Jones to Host Election Results Watch Party on Election Night Democratic Candidate for Governor to Gather with Supporters LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS — The Chris Jones For Governor campaign will host an Election Night Watch Party, as the candidate, his family and hundreds of supporters watch results roll in for this historic primary campaign. If nominated, Jones would be the first African-American to be nominated by a major party to seek the Governor’s office in Arkansas’s history. “Early voting is underway and I am excited about this primary election. This campaign is about giving Arkansas voters a brighter future to look forward to. Voting in this primary election is going to be meaningful for a lot of folks,” said Chris Jones. “We are asking voters to pick up a Democratic ballot and vote Chris Jones for Governor.” WHEN: ELECTION NIGHT, Tuesday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: The Venue at Westwind - 7318 Windsong Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72113 WHO: Dr. Chris Jones, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones and family; Supporters; Voters RSVP: PRESS AVAILABILITY For additional information and media inquiries, please contact the campaign. Chris may be available for additional interviews. Please contact Clint Schaff. More information can be found on the campaign website. About Chris Jones Dr. Chris Jones grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A son of two preachers, Chris was raised with a strong sense of faith. He attended Morehouse College on a NASA Scholarship, for physics and math, then went on to study at MIT becoming a nuclear engineer and earning a Ph.D. in urban planning. After becoming ordained as a minister, Chris returned home to Arkansas and led the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Through this work, he has seen firsthand how disparities within Arkansas have gotten worse, not better. He believes there is much room for growth, including improving public education opportunities in every community, strengthening infrastructure from roads to broadband access, protecting and securing our right to vote, and bridging the rural and urban divide. Chris has faith in Arkansas’s potential, and he’s running for governor to ensure every person in Arkansas has an opportunity to succeed.