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The following op-ed piece by Chris Jones, special to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, was published on August 4, 2022. To read the entire editorial, please visit the Democrat-Gazette. This link might require a subscription. If so, we encourage you to consider subscribing; local journalism is worth paying for. For those unable to subscribe, the entire op-ed is published below:OPINION | CHRIS JONES: Unexcused absence Teacher pay and the governor’s race by Chris Jones Special to the Democrat-Gazette What a rare moment we find ourselves in right now in Arkansas. We have an historic surplus and bipartisan agreement that a portion of it should be used to raise the floor and close the gaps on teacher pay. We have sustainable funding, Republican and Democratic leaders putting forward plans that support each other's goals, a window of opportunity to do something together--and, with the lowest-paid teachers in the region, our state has every reason to act. As the son of a lifelong teacher, and the father to three beautiful daughters, I know that parents are their children's first and most important teachers. Schools and educators partner with parents to give children the best opportunity to succeed in life. That's why it's so important to support teachers as they support our children. Last month, I put forward my Teacher Pay Plus Plan to raise teacher pay and address the teacher shortage and rural education. Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Democrats have also released their plans. We are all in agreement: Raise teachers' starting salaries, raise average teacher pay, and give our teachers the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. There is one voice conspicuously absent who I want to invite to the conversation: Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She could help make a difference in moving many of the more extreme legislators--who align with her. She could support Governor Hutchinson and a bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers who want to raise teacher pay during the August special session of the Arkansas Legislature. Teachers would welcome the support. When I released my plan, I invited Sanders to participate in this important statewide conversation. Unfortunately, she's still an unexcused absence on education at this time. We should also be clear that this isn't about politics or elections. This is about each one of us looking at what we can do to ensure that Arkansas makes a strong investment in education; it's a down payment on a brighter future. It's especially important that we do so in a time where we are experiencing too much government control and a Legislature that wants to dictate decisions that should be local. So many school boards are losing local control, classrooms and teachers are under increased harassment, and the core issues of education seem so often ignored. It's an environment of chaos when Arkansans really want community. I'm inviting Sarah Huckabee Sanders to move beyond "no comment" and a vague promise to release some type of statement about education "in the coming months." Arkansas' teacher-pay issue is not a new issue, and Arkansas deserves a governor who is willing to be upfront, honest, and available to talk about what really matters. While there is an absence of comment for supporting teachers, there seems to be an abundance of paid messaging from Sanders' camp condemning teachers. Wild accusations fly that teachers are puppets of the left, indoctrinating our children, and waging campaigns to distort American history in schools--while at the same time our tax dollars have been used to distribute books from the company founded by her father, Mike Huckabee, to schoolchildren. It raises some questions. How does that address critical teacher shortages? How does that help us catch up to Mississippi for teacher pay? Will we see school closings across rural Arkansas? Should we even expect her to support raising teacher pay--at all--if elected? The only thing we do know is that she's choosing not to tell us and she's choosing to be a no-call, no-show during this important moment for teacher pay. During this important moment for our state. An equally important question that voters might consider: Should someone get a job if they don't show up for their interview? Arkansans shouldn't have to beg for answers to questions like these. These are big, fundamental questions, and a candidate for governor ought to be able to talk about them, no excuse. I've traveled to every corner of this state, and what I'm hearing is people believe good quality schools and investments in education are a cornerstone of a strong and successful economy and community. There's no question about it. This is a moment in which if we all step up, we can get this done. There are just a handful of state lawmakers holding back a bipartisan plan to raise teacher pay this August. They need some encouragement to do the right thing. They're looking to the public and they're looking to the people who want to be our future leaders. I plan to be a leader who encourages, unites, and leads on the easy and the tough issues. Now is the time when Arkansans must come together to move the needle, to pave the way for our state to reach its full potential. Chris Jones is the Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas.

LITTLE ROCK – Gubernatorial nominee Chris Jones issued the below statement today in support of the Arkansas Marijuana Legalization Initiative which is set to appear on the November 8, 2022 ballot. Jones himself is on the November 8 election ballot, running for governor against Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Donald Trump’s former spokesperson. “Ballot initiatives elevate the voices of Arkansans, who have made very important decisions when given the opportunity to do so. This recreational marijuana ballot initiative is no different, and it is a chance for Arkansas to lead the South. “I support the thoughtful decriminalization and legalization of marijuana, and I support the Arkansas Marijuana Legalization Initiative on the ballot this November 8. Regardless of what one thinks personally about the prospect of legal recreational marijuana, the revenue created by this ballot initiative would support general fund investments that can unlock the potential of Arkansas – in areas like education starting with preschool, infrastructure starting with broadband, and economic development starting with jobs – while supporting the state drug court program, UAMS, and law enforcement. “No matter the vote outcome, there will remain critically important issues, specifically, our great need to address the problematic social justice issues that are the direct result of the criminalization of marijuana. These critical issues can be solved if we come together and focus on solutions that benefit all Arkansans. That’s what I hope to do as Governor.” In April, Jones shared his “Promise for a Just and Equitable Cannabis Industry,” his plans to support the development of a just and equitable cannabis industry that encourages economic growth, funds education programs and protects police officers and citizens alike. **For more information on Chris Jones’ Promise for a Just and Equitable Cannabis Industry, see https://chrisforgovernor.com/promises/cannabis. **For more of Chris Jones’ plans for Arkansas, see chrisforgovernor.com/promises. ABOUT DR. CHRIS JONES Dr. Chris Jones, the 2022 Democratic nominee for Governor of Arkansas, is a physicist, minister, educator, non-profit executive leader, father and husband. Chris, a Pine Bluff, Arkansas native, is a son of two preachers and 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 is the proud husband to Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, an emergency medicine physician and U.S. Air Force combat veteran who served in Afghanistan. Together, they are proud parents to three daughters.

DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE CHRIS JONES TO “WALK-A-MILE” IN WASHINGTON, SEBASTIAN, SALINE, AND CONWAY COUNTIES Jones is set to trek to Northwest & Central Arkansas as a part of his statewide Walk-A-Mile TourFORT SMITH, AR — Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for Governor of Arkansas, will resume his statewide Walk A Mile In Your Shoes on Saturday, July 30, in Fort Smith. Jones, who is traveling to all 75 counties in Arkansas for at least the second time this summer, is walking with voters to listen and learn about challenges and opportunities across the state, while sharing his vision to unlock the promise of Arkansas with investments in education, infrastructure and economic development. Along with Fort Smith, Jones is thrilled to be walking a mile side-by-side with Arkansans in Benton, Springdale, and Morrilton. “The first step in being a good governor for Arkansans is to show up for Arkansans. Our neighbors deserve elected officials that can understand the challenges they face by walking in their shoes. We show and prove that by getting back on the road to listen and speak with Arkansans about our vision to address the serious challenges our communities face. We won’t stop until we have unlocked the potential of Arkansas for all of our neighbors, and it all starts by spreading PB&J (Preschool, Broadband, & Jobs) across every corner of Arkansas. My fellow Arkansans, now and as your governor, I’ll always show up for you, meet you where you are, and make a seat for you at the table when decisions are being made that impact you. Join us and help us make it so,” Jones said. Chris Jones For Governor Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Stop Details: Saturday, July 30thEvent: Walk-A-Mile In Your Shoes – Sebastian County Where: Bookish: An Indie Shop for Folks Who Read, 70 S 7th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901When: 10:30-11:30 am CT Saturday, July 30thEvent: NWA Volunteer Extravaganza *Where: Likewise, 70 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701When: 9:00-1:00 pm CT Monday, August 1st Event: Walk-A-Mile In Your Shoes – Saline County Where: Benton Farmers’ Market, 125 E Ashley Street, Benton, AR 72015When: 5:00-6:00 pm CT Tuesday, August 2nd Event: Walk-A-Mile In Your Shoes – Washington County Where: Location TBD, Springdale, ARWhen: 8:00-9:00 pm CT Wednesday, August 3rd Event: Walk-A-Mile In Your Shoes – Conway County Where: Sullivan Park Pavillion, 900 W Rock Street, Morrilton, AR 72110When: 6:00-7:00 pm CT The full list of Walk A Mile tour stops (all subject to change) can includes upcoming August walks in in Mena, Crossett, Texarkana, Lewisville, Hope, Fordyce, El Dorado, Camden, Prescott, Arkadelphia, Hughes, Marianna, Helena, Clarendon, Clarksville, Huntsville, Starr City, Dumas, Dermott, Wilmar and Warren. See chrisforgovernor.com/walkamile for details. Jones made history as the state’s first African-Amercian major party nominee for governor, winning a crowded Democratic primary with over 70% of the vote. If elected, Jones would be the first African-American to be elected to statewide office in Arkansas. 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 Releases “Teacher Pay Plus Plan,” Calls For State To Invest Record Surplus Funds For Education In Upcoming Special Session LITTLE ROCK – Gubernatorial nominee Chris Jones released his Teacher Pay Plus Plan on Tuesday, to “Raise the Floor” and “Close the Gaps” on teacher pay and education quality across Arkansas. Jones is calling for the state to use a portion of its $1.6 billion surplus to bring Arkansas out of the basement on teacher pay to a regionally competitive range. This means providing an immediate bonus, supporting Governor Asa Hutchinson's framework to raise the minimum teacher salary to $46,000 a year and making a commitment to raise the threshold to $50,000 a year by the end of his first term. The plan provides additional investments to support rural teachers and deferred building maintenance needs. Jones’s plan provides a clear path to sustained funding for local school districts. The Teacher Pay Plus Plan utilizes a portion of the state’s historic surplus, with a sustainable total long-term funding structure. For Teachers & Staff: One-Time Surplus Bonus For Teachers and Staff between $1,000-$2,500 per school employee.Raise the Floor with Minimum Teacher Pay: $46,000 this August, raised to $50,000 per year by the end of the first term of the Jones administration and $4,200 for those who already make $46,000 or more. Close the Gaps on rural teacher shortage with a Rural Teacher Incentive Program For Local Schools: Deferred Maintenance Building Program (from surplus)Stability Fund (from surplus) to address unexpected economic changes. “Arkansans want us to meet this moment and rise to this occasion. We have a record state surplus of $1.6 billion dollars. It’s common sense that we invest in our children’s education and our teachers. I am putting forward my Teacher Pay Plus Plan as a commitment to Arkansas voters, to demonstrate that I am dedicated to supporting achievable, common ground, bipartisan work. It’s about our values and about smart investments. We can raise the floor and close the gaps in teacher pay and education across our great state,” said Chris Jones. “I urge my general election opponent Sarah Huckabee Sanders to join in on this statewide discussion. Our teachers and the kids in our classrooms deserve clear cut support from all of us. Right now they’re working hard to raise pay in this August’s special session. They deserve support from all of us. The longer we wait, the further behind our students get.” The release of the Teacher Pay Plus Plan comes as bipartisan support surges for raising the state’s regionally-low teacher pay during the upcoming August special session of the Arkansas Legislature. Jones released his plan at a public press conference at the historic Little Rock Central High School on Tuesday joined by educators from across the state. Arkansas has more than 34,000 teachers but is facing a critical shortage as educators leave the profession in search of better pay and more support from state lawmakers. Arkansas ranks bottom in the nation in minimum teacher salary. Neighboring states like Mississippi have raised teacher pay with more than 96 percent of Mississippi teachers receiving at least a $4,000 a raise. Meanwhile, Dallas, Texas school districts are actively recruiting teachers from Arkansas with billboards showcasing dramatically higher salaries. Governor Asa Hutchinson has expressed support for higher teacher pay, and with school starting in August, the special session is the right time to take up the issue. The release of the Teacher Pay Plus Plan is part of Chris Jones’s larger PB&J (Preschool, Broadband, Jobs) agenda. **Contact the campaign for photos from the press conference releasing the Teacher Pay Plus Plan. **For more information on Chris Jones’ Teacher Pay Plus Plan and education policies, see chrisforgovernor.com/teachers. **For more of Chris Jones’ plans for Arkansas, see chrisforgovernor.com/promises.

Chris Jones Continues His Walk-A-Mile Tour with Stops in West Memphis, Jonesboro, Osceola and Batesville Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for Governor of Arkansas, will continue his statewide Walk A Mile In Your Shoes on Friday, July 15, in West Memphis, and will also walk a mile this weekend in Jonesboro, Osceola and Batesville. Jones, who is traveling to all 75 counties of Arkansas for at least the second time this summer, is walking with voters to listen and learn about challenges and opportunities across the state, while sharing his vision to unlock the promise of Arkansas with investments in education, infrastructure and economic development. “Arkansans need a governor that understands the challenges they face because they’re willing to walk in their shoes,” said Chris Jones. “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. Come join us.” Jones will kick off the weekend in West Memphis on Friday, and then walk a mile in Jonesboro and Osceola on Saturday and in Batesville on Sunday. Chris Jones For Governor Walk A Mile In Your Shoes Details: Friday, July 15thEvent: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Crittenden CountyWhere: Start at the Boys and Girls Club of Crittenden County, 990 N Missouri Street, West Memphis, AR 72301When: 5:30-6:30pm CT**The walk will be followed by a dinner catered by the Democratic Party of Crittenden County Saturday, July 16Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Craighead CountyWhere: Start at New St. John MBC, 308 N. Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401 (NEW LOCATION)When: Noon-1:00 pm CTSaturday, July 16Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Mississippi CountyWhere: Start at Rosenwald, 510 Childress St, Osceola, AR 72370When: 3:30 - 4:30 pm CTSunday, July 17Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Independence CountyWhere: Start at Batesville Community Center and Aquatics Park, 1420 S 20th Street, Batesville, AR 72501When: 2-3 pm CT Jones made history as the state’s first African-Amercian major party nominee for governor, winning a crowded Democratic primary with over 70% of the vote. If elected, Jones would be the first African-American to be elected to statewide office in Arkansas. 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 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 Set to Embark on the Next Leg of his Walk A Mile Tour Jones to Continue his Tour with Stops in Chicot, Crittenden, Craighead, and Independence Counties Little Rock, AR – Throughout July, Chris Jones will continue on his quest to walk a mile with Arkansans in each of the state’s 75 counties.. Jones’ Walk A Mile In Your Shoes tour travels next to Chicot, Crittenden and Craighead Counties. The tour encourages neighbors to walk side-by-side engaged in compassionate and thoughtful discussion about current events and the issues impacting Arkansans. During the tour, Jones will walk a mile alongside fellow Arkansans, sharing his vision to unlock the promise of Arkansas, while listening to learn about the issues they face. “Recent decisions of the Supreme Court can be used to either divide us or we can see it as an opportunity to mobilize and bring people together to discuss solutions and how to move forward together,” said Jones. “I know that any challenges facing Arkansas can be solved by Arkansans coming together. Through Faith, Hope and Hard Work, we can spread PB&J – preschool, broadband and jobs – across the state, making sure that every Arkansan has an opportunity to thrive.” Jones has several planned stops in July – with more tour stops expected to be added: Friday, July 1Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Chicot CountyWhere: Dermott, AR – Dermott City Hall, 211 E Iowa St, Dermott, AR 71638When: 4:00-5:00 pm CT Monday, July 4Event: Independence Day Celebrations in Northeast Arkansas (Not part of Walk A Mile)Where and When:Corning Parade and Picnic, 8-10 am CTPiggott Parade and Picnic, 10:30-11:30 am CT Friday, July 15Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Crittenden CountyWhere: TBDWhen: 4:30-5:30 pm CT Saturday, July 16Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Craighead CountyWhere: TBDWhen: 12:00 Noon-1:00 pm CT Sunday, July 17Event: Walk A Mile in Your Shoes – Independence CountyWhere: Batesville, AR -- Batesville Community Center and Aquatics, 1420 S 20th Street, Batesville, AR 72501When: 2-3 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-American major party nominee for governor, winning the Democratic primary with more than 70 percent of the vote in a crowded field. 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, 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.