News & Press

We Can’t Pray Away Christian Nationalism. We’ve Got to Vote it Out (Published by Newsweek) An excerpt from an op-ed published today in Newsweek — from Chris Jones, Arkansas Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate, and Doug Pagitt, Executive Director of Vote Common Good: As ordained Christian ministers, we have been distressed to see Christian nationalism increasingly normalized. For years, we’ve heard leaders in the Religious Right pine for greater power and influence in our politics. Now, emboldened by the Trump years, whispers have turned to shouts. Alarmingly, the loudest voices praising Christian nationalism have been elected members of Congress. What I and other religious leaders involved in political work know is that Christian nationalism is a threat to democracy, especially at the state level. Christian nationalism melds Christian and American identities, distorting both in the process. Christian nationalism expects that Christianity will be given a place of privilege by the State. It tells people that to be a good American, one must be a Christian. Far too often, it is deeply intertwined with white supremacy and patriarchy. At its most basic essence, Christian nationalism proclaims that the United States is a “Christian nation,” even though this country was founded on a guarantee of inalienable rights for all people — regardless of religion or lack of religion — although not fully realized then or now. Christian nationalism isn’t the only option for people of faith who want to engage in our civic life. An elected leader can have personal faith without turning the State into a church. Read their column in Newsweek.

Gavin Newsom Commits $100K to Chris Jones in Effort to Defeat Sarah Huckabee Sanders LITTLE ROCK, AR - California Gov. Gavin Newson on Tuesday announced a $100,000 donation to the campaign of Chris Jones, the ordained minister, nuclear physicist, and Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas. Jones is taking on Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House press secretary for twice-impeached former President Donald Trump, in November’s general election. Newsom tweeted that he was pledging $100,000 to “surge past” Sanders fundraising and “show Arkansas they don’t need to join the likes of Republican governors like (Texas Gov. Greg) Abbott.” Newsom’s support reflects growing national interest in Jones’ candidacy as well as concern about extremism in governor’s offices across America. In his tweet, Newsom shared Jones’ latest digital ad, “Warning,” in which Jones warns that an Arkansas governed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders will serve as an incubator for policies that will be devastating to all Americans. Jones suggests that a vote for him can spare the country from Sanders whose “entire record…entire experience is Donald Trump” and from the radical extremism of Govs. Kay Ivey (Alabama), Tate Reeves (Mississippi), Abbott (Texas) and DeSantis (Florida). “You think Sarah Huckabee Sanders is gonna let Ron DeSantis upstage her?” Jones asks in the ad. Jones warns that, if elected, “(Sanders) will turn Arkansas into an incubator for the worst policies and ideas in America, and they will make their way up to the Supreme Court. Next thing you know they’re in your backyard.” The first independent poll of the general election (from Talk Business & Hendrix) shows Jones gaining on Sanders, down just 11 points and gaining support from Independents. The Jones campaign continues to gain momentum as he visits all 75 counties of Arkansas with his Walk A Mile In Your Shoes tour, listening to voters and presenting priorities and plans for what he would do as governor to spread opportunity across Arkansas. - 30 - PRESS AVAILABILITY 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 a preacher and an educator 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. ###

Chris Jones For Governor Campaign To Host “Faith Leaders For Chris” Town Hall in North Little Rock - 30 - About 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.

Chris Jones Issues Statement on Arkansas Supreme Court’s Decision to Add Marijuana Amendment to the November Ballot LITTLE ROCK, AR - Dr. Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas, issued this statement in response to the Arkansas Supreme Court’s decision to allow on the November election ballot a constitutional amendment that would legalize marijuana use for adults. Standing up to amplify the voice of voters throughout Arkansas, Chris Jones supports the initiative process, as well this specific ballot initiative. In Arkansas, the people rule, and it is proper that Arkansans have a right to the ballot initiative process and the power to vote on statewide measures, and that their voices be heard. The ballot initiative process is one of the few important ways Arkansans get to have a seat at the table. It was through ballot initiatives that we expanded Medicare, increased minimum wage, and approved medical marijuana. At our core, we need to focus and uplift efforts that amplify voice, encourage participation, and promote democracy. Our next governor must speak up for democracy in Arkansas. It’s concerning that some have and continue to try to suppress the voice of voters, and that my opponent in the governor’s race has been completely silent on this fundamental issue of democracy. As governor, I will support the right of citizens to propose and vote on the laws of the land.On this issue of legalization of the adult-use marijuana market in Arkansas, Arkansans’ voices will be heard on November 8! I continue to support the creation of a just and equitable cannabis industry. This initiative is a good first step toward Arkansas embracing a pragmatic cannabis policy. If approved by the majority of Arkansans, this new policy will encourage economic growth of a new business market, deliver funding to support priorities like education and community safety, equip our hard-working law enforcement to keep us safe by focusing on serious crimes, and protect consumers. ### About 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 a preacher and an educator 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. PRESS AVAILABILITY

Chris Jones Issues Statement Against Donald Trump’s Baseless Claims Intended to Suppress Voter Turnout To Improperly Aid His Former Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders LITTLE ROCK, AR - Dr. Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas, issued this oped statement in response to recent claims by former president Donald Trump that appear intended to suppress voter turnout in Arkansas. Election denial and devaluing voting have the consequence of lowering voter registration and turnout, especially in Arkansas which ranks lowest among all 50 states in voter engagement. Arkansans, indeed all Americans of all backgrounds and political parties, should value free and fair elections. Any anti-voter sentiment should be denounced and rejected. Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of National Voter Registration Day. As baseless claims of election fraud are spread and rules to make voting more difficult are implemented, what that day represents has never been more critical for preservation of our democracy. In 2020, Donald Trump claimed that the only way he could lose the presidential election was if it was stolen from him. This began as a preemptive claim and then when he did in fact lose, he doubled down on the lie with tragic results. Based on these lies, insurrectionists invaded the Capitol on January 6, resulting in the deaths of five law enforcement officers. Now, Donald Trump is at it again, spawning preemptive state-size versions of this lie. Talking about my home state of Arkansas, he recently presented the inevitability of a Sarah Huckabee Sanders (his hand-picked candidate) win unless the election was stolen. First, these claims intentionally undermine the power of the voter, and the strength of voting to make known the will of the people. Second, these baseless claims dismiss our grassroots movement that is bringing together women, minority voters, workers, moderates, and even Republicans. But we will not be deterred. Maintaining our faith in the notion that hard work matters, we will continue to visit every corner of Arkansas, talking face-to-face with voters, whose voices deserve to be heard. Arkansas voters will decide this race, not former President Donald Trump and his cronies. Spreading doubt about the power of the vote has an out-sized impact in a state like Arkansas. Our state has the lowest levels of voter registration and voter turnout of any state. More than a million Arkansans who could have voted in the 2020 election did not—just less than the number of people who did actually vote. These statistics are a crisis of inaccurate representation, not just here in Arkansas but in any state where politicians have made it harder for people to exercise their right to vote. I’ve talked with politicos, donors, and regular people who say the same thing: “you are a great candidate, but you are in the wrong state”. Pundits dismiss Arkansas as a red state. They think we’re hopeless, and not ready for good and non-partisan leadership. People have given up on us. Here’s the thing: people who say this don’t know the real Arkansas. Our Natural State is beautiful. Arkansans are among the smartest people I know, and we have the brilliance, tools, and innovations to address the challenges in our state. Admittedly, the only thing missing is a governor who can serve as a kind of drum major to bring all these resources together to catapult our great state. We’re no red state. We are a non-voting state. It’s not a bug in the system; it’s a feature designed by those who would suppress voting such that fewer cast ballots. I am on the ground — in every single county and visiting places candidates have not been in decades. One woman I met in the Arkansas Delta was not registered to vote. She was driving by my team as we knocked on doors and asked why we were in her neighborhood. When she learned, she registered to vote on the spot. Even better, she made sure everyone in her truck was registered and took forms for her neighbors. She told me, “No politician has ever talked to us. No one ever cares about us.” This is exactly why we put in more than 2 million steps this summer – talking to people and listening to Arkansans. I’ve heard from thousands of people, people with real issues, real concerns, and real ideas about how to make life better for themselves and their neighbors. Their voices matter. In a democracy, when we write each other off, for whatever reason, we’re being anti-democratic. Those that intentionally dissuade or, even worse, actively put up roadblocks to prevent voting are perpetrating the real voter fraud. Voter suppression leads to the election of candidates that do not represent the true will of the electorate. As we celebrate 10 years of National Voter Registration Day, let’s remember that democracy means that we have to continually show up. It means people must have the tools and opportunities to have their voices heard, even when we disagree. Instead of dismissing whole sections of our state and country as too Southern, too red, or too ignorant to choose between candidates at the polls, let’s shift the narrative. Think about the people whose voices aren’t being heard and how to lift them up. Donate to groups who are fighting for voting rights and voter education. Learn how to register people to vote–it’s easy. Yesterday was National Voter Registration Day. But today, tomorrow, and every day until Election Day, my team and I are working to get people out to vote in Arkansas. I am inviting you to join us, wherever you are in the country. In Arkansas, in Georgia, in Texas, in Florida — everywhere in America. Because democracy and freedom are on the ballot on November 8. About 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 a preacher and an educator 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. PRESS AVAILABILITY

Chris Jones For Governor Campaign Hosts “Women For Chris” Community Town Hall in Fayetteville Due to overwhelming interest, the Chris Jones For Governor event Tuesday in Fayetteville has been moved from another location to Garden Room in order to accommodate more attendees. Hope you can join us! When:Tuesday, September 20, 4-5 p.m.Where:Garden Room, 215 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR What: Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas, is committed to ensuring that women in Arkansas have access to all the opportunities that Arkansas has to offer and all the opportunities that they need to reach success. Women of Arkansas are invited to join Jones for a dynamic discussion about how Arkansas’ next governor can elevate women's voices across the state. Jones will listen and learn from attendees, while also sharing his vision to give everyone a seat at the table, unlock the Promise of Arkansas, and spread opportunity to every corner of the state. Public RSVP link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-for-chris-townhall-tickets-417061882317Background: As a husband and girl dad, Chris Jones understands how important it is to fight for women’s equality. Chris Jones is committed to ensuring that women in Arkansas have access to the opportunities they need to reach success. See more from Chris Jones’ The Promise For Women In Arkansas.

The Jones Family released this statement today in response to Sarah Huckabee Sanders' announcement today that she underwent surgery for thyroid cancer. Our hearts go out to you, Sarah. Our family is thinking of you and praying for you and your family. It’s truly a blessing that you caught this cancer early and were able to receive world-class treatment so quickly. From one family of Arkansans to another, we send you hope, love, and healing. Our family has been on this journey before and, while it's not easy, we know personally the power of prayer, the healing hand of God, and the strength that comes from being surrounded by community. May you have an abundance of all in this season.We wish you a successful recovery. God bless.From the Jones Family

Dr. Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas, issued a statement in support of tax relief for recipients of student loan forgiveness. President Joe Biden announced a plan to forgive student loan debt in August, but Arkansas is one of seven U.S. states where the state tax law is unclear on the issue of whether or not this forgiven debt relief is taxable by the state. Arkansas lawmakers will decide on this issue next year. In a statement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Jones spoke in support of recent graduates and advocated for the elimination of the tax burden on student debt relief. The newspaper printed a small part of it in this article. Below, you may find the complete statement from the Jones campaign: Anyone who has heard me speak knows how much I value education. It should come as no surprise that, like many others, I am alarmed at how quickly the student debt has increased, and the fact that our young people are struggling to overcome staggering debt. We know that student loan debt has doubled since 2008, and that the amount of student debt has outpaced even mortgage loans. What is unacceptable to me is that Arkansas, which has a group of people trying to eliminate income tax completely and just gave an accelerated tax cut, is set to be one of 7 states that is set to give a tax increase to those who are already barely making ends meet. They want to tax what is supposed to be financial relief for people who are not in upper tax brackets. Our state needs young workers who are not overburdened by debt. For example, our teachers need to go to college in order to do their jobs, but they cannot repay their loans on low Arkansas teacher’s salaries. This only hurts our education system, a system already struggling to keep teachers. I strongly believe that we should pass legislation that eliminates the tax burden on student debt relief. Anyone who advocates for lower taxes in general, but refuses to remove this tax almost feels like they are playing political theater and being oppositional just because this was an idea proposed and passed largely by Democrats. I value consistency in leadership. I have long said that we need responsible tax systems, and to me, it is irresponsible to tax this debt relief. I’ve made clear where I stand and how I would act on this issue. I challenge my opponent to do the same. The same article says that Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined to comment. This troubling response (or lack of response) is common for Sanders, who has failed to show up for Arkansans throughout this campaign – not commenting on the important issues of the day, denying requests for public debates, and going nearly four months without any campaign appearances. ###

Dr. Chris Jones, Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas, issued a statement in support of tax relief for recipients of student loan forgiveness. President Joe Biden announced a plan to forgive student loan debt in August, but Arkansas is one of seven U.S. states where the state tax law is unclear on the issue of whether or not this forgiven debt relief is taxable by the state. Arkansas lawmakers will decide on this issue next year. In a statement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Jones spoke in support of recent graduates and advocated for the elimination of the tax burden on student debt relief. The newspaper printed a small part of it in this article. Below, you may find the complete statement from the Jones campaign: Anyone who has heard me speak knows how much I value education. It should come as no surprise that, like many others, I am alarmed at how quickly the student debt has increased, and the fact that our young people are struggling to overcome staggering debt. We know that student loan debt has doubled since 2008, and that the amount of student debt has outpaced even mortgage loans. What is unacceptable to me is that Arkansas, which has a group of people trying to eliminate income tax completely and just gave an accelerated tax cut, is set to be one of 7 states that is set to give a tax increase to those who are already barely making ends meet. They want to tax what is supposed to be financial relief for people who are not in upper tax brackets. Our state needs young workers who are not overburdened by debt. For example, our teachers need to go to college in order to do their jobs, but they cannot repay their loans on low Arkansas teacher’s salaries. This only hurts our education system, a system already struggling to keep teachers. I strongly believe that we should pass legislation that eliminates the tax burden on student debt relief. Anyone who advocates for lower taxes in general, but refuses to remove this tax almost feels like they are playing political theater and being oppositional just because this was an idea proposed and passed largely by Democrats. I value consistency in leadership. I have long said that we need responsible tax systems, and to me, it is irresponsible to tax this debt relief. I’ve made clear where I stand and how I would act on this issue. I challenge my opponent to do the same. The same article says that Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined to comment. This troubling response (or lack of response) is common for Sanders, who has failed to show up for Arkansans throughout this campaign – not commenting on the important issues of the day, denying requests for public debates, and going nearly four months without any campaign appearances. ###

GO HERE TO #STOPSARAHSANDERS LITTLE ROCK, AR - As her former boss faces an espionage investigation, Sarah Huckabee Sanders takes incoming fire from an increasingly assertive Democratic rival. In the new spot, Dr. Chris Jones warns that an Arkansas governed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders will serve as an incubator for policies that will be devastating to all Americans. Jones suggests that a vote for him can spare the country from Sanders whose “entire record…entire experience is Donald Trump.” “Working with Trump has turned into a shameful chapter in American history. It’s not a qualification for governing– it’s the opposite. She’s offering us less than nothing,” said Jones this morning. The message has resonated to the tune of 150,000 views across all digital platforms as of this morning. VIEW THE AD HERE: https://youtu.be/nkNycY9xq0c Transcript for “Warning” (:90) DR. CHRIS JONES: “What would you give for a world where you didn’t know who Ron DeSantis is? Put a number on it. Send that to my campaign. Greg Abbott. Kay Ivey. The Supreme Court has turned Republican Governors into kings! This dude thinks he’s king of Mississippi. I don’t want to scare you, but if my opponent, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, wins in Novemhttps://chrisforgovernor.com/a...ber… you are never, ever, ever getting rid of her. “The daughter of former Republican governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee.” Yeah, that’s her. “Just a mouthpiece for depravity.” That too. The brazen, relentless, dead-eyed lying. She’s running for governor of Arkansas. But there’s good news: So am I. Democrats love to be angry about stuff; and Sarah Huckabee Sanders is going to give you so many opportunities. Sarah has Donald Trump in her ads. Her entire record is Donald Trump. Her entire experience is Donald Trump. You think Sarah Huckabee Sanders is going to let Ron DeSantis upstage her? She will turn Arkansas into an incubator for the worst policies and ideas in America, and they will make their way to the Supreme Court. Next thing you know they’re in your backyard. You can wake up every day for the next four years knowing that choice is safe in Arkansas, or you can wake up and delete scary, end of the world emails from Democratic fundraisers for the next 4 to 8 years. We don’t have to go through that. Help me help Arkansas and America, now.” Jones aired three ads during the primary election season – “Great Minds,” “Every Last Street” and “Skywalker” – and launched his candidacy with ”About Time,” the 2021 video that went viral with more than 5.4 million views and counting. Right now, Jones is visiting all 75 counties of Arkansas with his Walk A Mile In Your Shoes tour, listening to voters and presenting priorities and plans for what he would do as governor to spread opportunity across Arkansas. This tour is a followup to his previous 75-county Promise of Arkansas tour earlier this year. Visit ChrisForGovernor.com for more information. Please view “Warning” at https://youtu.be/nkNycY9xq0c 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.