“Respectful dialogue, good-faith debate, and a shared commitment to the common good are signs of seriousness and maturity.”

One of the great challenges of our time is not simply political division—it is political devotion . Across our nation and our state, politics has shifted from being a tool we use to solve problems into a god many believe will save them. People place ultimate hope in parties, personalities, and platforms. Elections become battles for identity. Policy debates turn into moral crusades. And neighbors become enemies—not because their character changed, but because of their vote. W

As your state Senate candidate, I want to be clear about my position on the proposed prison in Franklin County: I am firmly against it. There are several reasons for this stance: The people of Franklin County have spoken. Residents have overwhelmingly opposed the project, and I believe elected officials must honor the will of the community most directly affected. Local leaders have consistently opposed it. In addition to the late Senator Gary Stubblefield and Senator Brian Ki

People sometimes ask me what kind of Democrat I am. Others call me a conservative Democrat, and some have even called me a Republican. The truth is, I’ve always been more of an independent and a centrist. I’ve never fit neatly into a party label — and I’m not trying to. My loyalty isn’t to a political tribe but to the people of Arkansas and to the constitutional principles that make our Republic strong. I call myself a civic nationalist — and I’ve never been ashamed to do so.

The Second Amendment  is one of the cornerstones of our Constitution , yet it is often misunderstood or misrepresented. Its purpose was never about glorifying violence or creating a society defined by firearms. Instead, it ensures that citizens retain the ability to protect themselves, their communities, and their liberties  from any government that might overstep its authority. A Historical Warning and Modern Relevance Before the American Revolution, the British crown attemp

In our time, the word liberalism  has often been stretched, politicized, and reduced to a shorthand for partisan disagreement. Too often it is used less to explain ideas than to signal affiliation, turning a once-shared civic tradition into a source of division. This is unfortunate, because liberalism, properly understood, was never meant to be a slogan or a political weapon . It began—and remains—as a moral framework concerned with human dignity and the rightful limits of po

Recently, someone asked me point-blank where I stood on abortion. I answered honestly: I’m pro-life. That moment sparked a period of deep reflection, as I asked myself why I held this belief and whether I was ready to stand by it with full conviction. Over time, I realized that my stance is closely connected to the principles guiding my platform: true freedom and shared responsibility. Freedom is more than the ability to make choices; it is the right to live with protections

Over the past 48 hours, I have been wrestling with a simple but critical question: Where do we go from here? It is a question that weighs...

For too long, the power to shape our democracy has rested in the hands of a few political insiders. They draw district lines in ways that split communities, protect incumbents, and dilute the power of your vote. This practice, known as gerrymandering, turns the fundamental principle of our democracy on its head. Instead of voters choosing their leaders, leaders end up choosing their voters. I’ve thought a lot about what that means for Arkansans. Not just in terms of politics,

A Quiet Beginning Some of the most important moments in life don’t come with fanfare. They come quietly—through the kindness of others,...

Recently, a constituent asked me where I stand on the LEARNS Act and the Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) that followed. It’s a fair and...

As I officially announce my candidacy for Arkansas State Senate District 16 , I want to share a promise that will guide every step of this campaign: I commit to running with conviction and principle —focusing on positive solutions  and respectful dialogue , grounded in the issues that matter most  to our communities. Politics today can be challenging and full of strong disagreements. While different viewpoints are a natural part of democracy, I believe our communities deserve

Putting Service Above Politics—and People Before Party. Bryant - Joshua Irby, a first-generation Arkansan and longtime security professional, today announced his candidacy for Arkansas State Senate District 16. A centrist and civic nationalist, Irby is running to bring unifying leadership and practical solutions to his community. “I’m running because Arkansas deserves leaders who put people over parties and service over politics,” said Irby. “Our district needs someone who l

My grandfather had a simple way of seeing the world. He’d say, “You’re always doing one or the other—tearing people down, or building...

Arkansas has long believed in the wisdom and strength of its people. That belief is reflected in our state constitution, which grants...

If elected to represent District 16 in the Arkansas State Senate, every bill I consider will begin with one question: “Will this...

As a man of deep personal faith, I’ve heard a concern again and again: “Things started going wrong when we took God out of schools.” I...

In a year full of sweeping legislation, few bills have sparked deeper conversation about the balance between faith, freedom, and family...

In Arkansas, we know the value of faith, family, and fairness. We are a state shaped by strong convictions and deep compassion—qualities...

The easiest way to explain why I found myself identifying as a civic nationalist  is actually through something deeply personal: my faith...