About Joshua Irby
I’m Joshua Irby—a first-generation Arkansan raised in Little Rock and Ferndale—and I’m running to represent District 16 in the Arkansas Senate with a vision rooted in unity, civic responsibility, and community-first leadership.
As a civic nationalist and centrist, I believe a strong society is built not on partisan divides, but on the shared values and active participation of its citizens. Regardless of background, we all share rights—and responsibilities. That’s what builds resilient, respectful communities.
In 2022, my wife and I moved from Little Rock to Bryant. She was raised in the Benton-Bryant area and already knew the warmth and unity of this community. When we moved here, I embraced that same spirit. We were blessed to build our first home in Bryant, and from the beginning, we knew this is where we wanted to plant roots and begin the next chapter of our lives.
My family came to Arkansas in the late ’80s, during a difficult time. Gang violence was rising fast in Little Rock, and my father stepped in to serve—becoming principal of a church-funded school that provided safety and opportunity for kids in the middle of that storm. His work gave young Arkansans a place to learn, grow, and hope. That legacy—of courage, unity, and compassion—shaped me deeply and instilled in me a lifelong commitment to civic responsibility.
For over 15 years, I’ve worked in corporate security—starting as a foot patrol officer and working my way up to managing global security intelligence for a Fortune 500 company. My job is about protection, preparedness, and service—and those same values guide how I lead and how I live.
Why I’m Running—And Why I’m Running as a Democrat
Let me be clear: I’m not a traditional Democrat. I’m also not a Republican. I’m a centrist and a civic nationalist. I believe in people over parties—and I believe we need leaders who bring us together, not push us further apart.
So why am I running under the Democratic banner?
Because in Arkansas, running as an independent isn’t a real option for most candidates. The ballot access laws are stacked against anyone without major party backing, making it nearly impossible to run a viable campaign without aligning with one. I believe that kind of system discourages participation and limits the choices voters deserve.
The delegates of the Republican Party of Arkansas voted to close their primary in 2024. I don’t agree with that decision—but I respect the will of those delegates. Even though it’s not being enforced, I’ve chosen to honor what they voted for. I’m not a registered Republican—and I’m not willing to change who I am or what I believe just to get on the ballot. That’s not leadership. That’s politics as usual.
Before I filed, I had open, honest conversations with local Democratic leaders. I told them plainly: I wouldn’t run unless I could do it with integrity—no compromises. I wasn’t looking to fit into a party. I was looking to stand up for the people. They respected that. And that’s how this campaign began.
So yes, I’m running as a Democrat—but I’m doing so as a centrist committed to unity, respect, and results. I don’t follow any party’s script. I follow my conscience. I serve people, not parties.
This Campaign Isn’t About Division. It’s About Direction.
This race isn’t about tearing anyone down—it’s about building something better. I’m not running against anyone. I’m running for the people of District 16.
No matter who wins this race, one thing remains true: if I win, every person in this district—no matter how they voted—will be my constituent. And if someone else wins, I’ll still be theirs. That’s how democracy works.
That’s why this campaign is rooted in mutual respect. We may have different ideas, but we share the same responsibility—to listen, to serve, and to work for a better Arkansas.
Respect. Resolve. Renewal.
This campaign is about raising the standard for leadership in Arkansas. It’s about proving that principled, unifying leadership can still win—not just at the ballot box, but in the hearts and minds of the people we serve.
I’m not running to play politics. I’m running to serve—humbly, honestly, and with the courage to do what’s right. I hope to earn your trust, your support, and your vote—not just to win a seat, but to be worthy of it.
Let’s show what’s possible when we lead with respect, act with resolve, and work together to renew Arkansas—one community at a time.
