News & Press

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.

New Polling Affirms Frontrunner Status For Chris Jones: As Early Voting Begins, Historic Nomination Depends on Turnout LITTLE ROCK - Nearly 60 percent of Arkansas voters, participating in the Democratic primary, are supporting Chris Jones’s campaign for Governor, according to a poll released this week. Jones would be the first African-American 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 Jo nes for Governor.” “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to speak to Arkansas voters, to speak up for what we can do to make Arkansas an even better place to call home. We take nothing for granted, we know that a strong showing in this primary election is critical to laying the foundation we need to succeed in the general election. “Our campaign is built on faith, hope, and hard work. Polls are fine, but we won’t stop the work, we’ve got a long road ahead of us to bring about the change we are working to see, to bring pre-school, broadband, and jobs to every part of Arkansas. We’re ready to start to fulfill the Promise of Arkansas, now let’s make it so.” See the poll results from Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix college.“On the Democratic side, Chris Jones is the runaway favorite to clinch the party’s nomination for governor, garnering 60% of the vote. None of the other potential Democratic contenders even crack 5%. As the only candidate to spend any real dollars on a campaign, Jones leads the field across every demographic group.”“Much like (Sarah Huckabee) Sanders in the other primary, Jones shows majority strength among almost every subgroup of voter. He does run particularly strongly among college educated voters.” 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 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 Jones 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.

Dr. Jerrilyn Jones Voices New Television Ad for Her Husband, Arkansas Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Chris Jones LITTLE ROCK, AR - Arkansas gubernatorial candidate Dr. Chris Jones today launched a new 30-second television ad, titled “Great Minds.” In time for Mother’s Day, “Great Minds” features Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, the candidate’s wife and mother to their three daughters, talking about Chris Jones’s compassionate heart and service at home and in the community. The new ad introduces Chris Jones to Arkansas voters from the person who knows him best – his wife Jerrilyn Jones. Jerrilyn shares how Chris Jones is both smart and compassionate, and why Arkansas needs great minds and big hearts. Jerrilyn Jones is a community leader in her own right as Medical Director for Preparedness and Response at Arkansas Department of Health and Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UAMS. VIEW THE AD HERE: https://youtu.be/qxN5eqJQFXcScript for “Great Minds” (:30)DR. JERRILYN JONES: I’ve been married to Chris Jones for almost 20 years.I think I understand why, after going to school for physics and engineering, he also became an ordained minister.He’s a smart man. But more than that he’s a compassionate man.I watch him with our girls. I also see him help people chase their own dreams, gain skills and start their own businesses.And that’s what Arkansas needs to grow. Great minds and big hearts. The ad is available across digital platforms now and will air on television in Arkansas starting Thursday and leading up to the May 24 primary election day. This is Jones’s third ad of this primary season – joining “Every Last Street” and “Skywalker” – and the campaign’s second to air on television Jones announced his candidacy for governor with a June 2021 launch video "About Time" that has been viewed more than 4.7 million times. Earlier this year, Jones visited all 75 counties listening to voters and presenting priorities and plans for what he would do as governor to spread opportunity across Arkansas. Please view “Great Minds” at https://youtu.be/qxN5eqJQFXc Below are two images from the new Jones ad:Great Minds_Family.jpgGreat Minds_GirlDad.jpg 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. ABOUT DR. JERRILYN JONES Jerrilyn Jones, MD, MPH, is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Medical Director for the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Response Systems at the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). She was very active in the state’s response to the COVID 19 Pandemic having been named to Governor Asa Hutchinson’s Winter Task Force and serving as part of ADH’s Pandemic Physicians Group. In addition to her practice in emergency medicine and public health, Dr. Jones has extensive experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) having worked as medical director for both a paramedic training program and a private ambulance service where she was charged with ensuring the competency and readiness of Nationally Registered EMS personnel. Her practical expertise includes working at the finish line as a first responder during the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013 and also as a first receiver during the civil unrest in Baltimore in 2015. Most recently, she was named Director of UAMS’s inaugural Post-Baccalaureate Program created to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds admitted to the College of Medicine. In 2021, she was named Arkansas First Lady’s Woman of the Year in Public Service. She graduated from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency and fellowship with Boston Medical Center and Boston EMS, respectively. She is a former Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and served in Afghanistan with the 75th Fighter Squadron during Operation Enduring Freedom. Her passion lies in responding to real world disasters and emergencies, as well as educating medical students, residents, paramedics and the community at large.

Chris Jones Launches “Every Last Street” Television Ad, Highlights Need to Help Neighbors Across State Statewide Ad Marks Gubernatorial Candidate’s First On Television LITTLE ROCK, AR - For Arkansas gubernatorial candidate Dr. Chris Jones, the message is about taking care of neighbors all across the state, as he releases his first television ad of the campaign, titled “Every Last Street.” “I wasn’t born into politics,” says Jones in the advertisement, available online now and statewide starting Thursday. “My family raised me to care about people – My neighbors, my neighbors’ parents, my neighbors’ kids. Their health, their schools, their safety.” “Every Last Street” is available Tuesday across digital platforms, and will be his first to air on television, beginning Thursday. Jones has called on Arkansans to reject the politics of fear, lies and division in this year's election and has detailed plans to spread "PB&J" – preschool, broadband and jobs – across the state. The Jones television ad – launching just under one month before the May 24 Democratic primary election – is part of the campaign’s effort to engage all Arkansans. Jones announced his candidacy for governor with a June 2021 launch video that has been viewed more than 4.7 million times. Last week, Jones unveiled “Skywalker,” a hopeful digital ad that draws on Jones’s childhood dreams and aspirations to remind voters that Arkansas voters can make a choice to dream big. Earlier this year, Jones visited all 75 counties listening to voters and presenting priorities and plans for what he would do as governor to spread opportunity across Arkansas. To view the ad, please visit www.chrisforgovernor.com/everylaststreet. Below is the text transcript of the new Jones ad:"Every Last Street" JONES: I’m a seventh generation Arkansan and a second generation minister. JONES: I wasn’t born into politics. My family raised me to care about people. My neighbors. My neighbors’ parents. My neighbors’ kids. Their health, their schools, their safety. JONES: And that’s what a good governor does: You check in on people where they live. You listen. And you help where you’re needed. JONES: I’m Chris Jones and my neighborhood is Arkansas. Every last street. Below are two images from the new Jones ad:Every Last Street_Neighbors.jpgEvery Last Street_Chris Jones title card.jpg 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.