On Wednesday evening, Texarkana residents were invited to a candidate meet‑and‑greet at Lonoke Baptist Church, 1841 Lonoke Avenue. The event, organized by community activist Gary Watson, provided a rare opportunity for voters to hear directly from fifteen individuals seeking office on the November ballot.
Purpose and Organization
Watson explained that the forum was designed to “connect the community with all candidates and put faces with names,” allowing voters to better understand each platform and ask pressing questions. The flyer promoting the gathering emphasized the chance to “shape our future” and “discuss key issues” that matter to families and neighborhoods across the region.
Arkansas Candidates
- Democrat Fred Love – running for governor
- Democrat Ulysses Brewer – Miller County judge
- Republican Lynn McDowell – Miller County judge
- Laney Harris – Texarkana mayor
- Tammy Waters – Texarkana mayor
- Jennifer Harland – Texarkana Board of Directors, Ward 3
- Otha Williams – Texarkana Board of Directors, Ward 3
- Clinton Brewster – Texarkana Board of Directors, Ward 4
- Natasha Crabbe – Texarkana Board of Directors, Ward 4
- T.J. Wall – Texarkana Board of Directors, Ward 4
- Danny Jewell – Texarkana Board of Directors, Ward 5
- Laura Nix – Texarkana Board of Directors, Ward 5
Texas Candidates
- Democrat Yolanda Prince – U.S. House, District 1
- Democrat Laticia Ambroz – Texas Senate, District 1
- Republican Sean Huffman – Texas House, District (unspecified)
Community Impact
The forum underscored the importance of local engagement in the upcoming 2026 elections. By gathering candidates from both sides of the aisle and from both states that share the Texarkana community, the event reinforced the principle that informed voters are the backbone of a strong, faith‑centered neighborhood.
Attendees were encouraged to take notes, request literature, and follow up with candidates on issues ranging from public safety and education to economic development and family values. Watson noted that the dialogue helped “keep the public informed” and hoped the format would become an annual tradition.
How to Get Involved
Residents who missed the forum can contact organizer Tracy Walton at 870‑648‑6611 or via email at [email protected] for information on candidate positions, upcoming town meetings, and volunteer opportunities. The next steps for voters include reviewing candidate statements, attending additional local forums, and preparing to cast ballots in November.
With fifteen hopefuls on the ballot, the Texarkana community has a clear chance to shape its future through active participation and thoughtful consideration of each candidate’s vision for the city, county, and state.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
