Republican Asa Hutchinson’s three previous statewide campaigns had ended the same way – with a concession speech. Tuesday ended with a victory speech after Hutchinson was elected governor of Arkansas over Democrat Mike Ross.
Hutchinson was leading with nearly 55% of the vote compared to 42% for Ross. Libertarian Frank Gilbert had about 2% of the vote, while Green Joshua Drake had 1%.
Hutchinson was winning big in Benton County (38,203-15,048), Saline County (25,821-12,555), and Faulkner County (20,536-12,219). Ross was winning in Pulaski County (71,724-53,007), Jefferson County (13,426-6,468) and in the Mississippi River border counties of eastern Arkansas.
Hutchinson lost his first statewide race in 1986 when he ran for the Senate against incumbent Sen. Dale Bumpers. He lost when he ran for attorney general in 1990. He lost to Gov. Mike Beebe in 2006.
But this year, Hutchinson was the beneficiary – as well as a leader – of a GOP swell that saw Republicans win all statewide races and now control all six of the state’s congressional seats.
Hutchinson stood on stage with wife Susan, the next first lady of Arkansas, and the rest of his family, including granddaughter Ellla Beth, who starred in one of his television commercials.
“This election is about a new day in Arkansas,” he said. “It’s about a new day of growing the economy and creating jobs. It’s about making sure that we can have a competitive tax rate. It is a new day in Arkansas that we can have computer science in every high school. It’s a new day in Arkansas that we can reduce the burden of regulations, that we can implement the plan. That’s why the people are excited about the future of this state.”
“But it’s also a new responsibility for the Republican Party, who’s had a great victory tonight. We need to make sure that we earn the respect and support of the people of Arkansas by governing well, by working hard and acting honorably. We need to earn the support of the people of Arkansas by reaching out to those that may not have supported us but to say you’re a part of this team, and to make sure this is a new day in Arkansas not just for us but for all Arkansans who want greater opportunity.”
In his concession speech, Ross congratulated Hutchinson, with whom he served in Congress and with whom he has sparred during this campaign.
“I’ve always felt there is a time to campaign and a time to govern,” he said. “Well, tonight the campaign ends right here, right now. It is now time to govern. So I ask you instead of simply being against everything that Governor-elect Hutchinson proposes in the coming year, I hope you will give him a chance. Be fair. Let’s find common ground.”
Hutchinson will govern with a robust Republican legislature. The GOP currently controls 24 seats in the Arkansas Senate and holds 63 seats in the House with a handful of seats remaining to be called.
With GOP victories in all seven constitutional offices, the Republican party becomes the official “majority party” of Arkansas.
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