Respect, Resolve, and Service

When you run for office, it is inevitable you will witness remarks made about you—some good, some bad, some out of anger, some out of support, some aimed at the party you are running under. I understand the feelings people have, and I know elections can stir strong emotions. To those who share their thoughts publicly, all I can say is: keep at it.

I don't have to agree with what someone says to appreciate their First Amendment rights. But the question I ask is: does it answer these questions? Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? That standard is worth holding ourselves to—not just because it is good, but because it is necessary.

I often think of words written to George Washington after his Farewell Address by Joseph Inslee Anderson: “I am now firmly convinced that nothing but unanimity can long preserve our consolidated existence.” Those words stick with me every day. This American experiment is no guarantee. When Benjamin Franklin was asked what government we would have, he replied: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

No amount of animosity will make me lose respect for my neighbors, fellow Arkansans, Americans, and citizens—regardless of their political leaning, affiliation, or how they view me. My father said people only have the power over you that you give them. I am resolved never to give that power away in a way that would take from the respect I have for every person I hope to represent and serve. That respect comes without condition, because that is patriotism lived. True patriotism is an act of love—for your state, your nation, and every person who makes it possible.

My faith reaffirms this. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” If I lose sight of that, I have already lost. I am resolved now more than ever, with a stubbornness not to be swayed, because service must mean something more. I will listen from a place of willingness to understand, regardless of the views of those I hear—because if not, how can I truly represent them?

This means listening carefully so that the government we build is truly responsive and representative, reflecting the needs of every Arkansan, regardless of party affiliation or political leaning. It is guided by the constitutional promise: “All political power is inherent in the people, and government is instituted for their protection, security and benefit” (Arkansas Constitution, Article 2). It means ensuring local control, because government works best closest to the people it serves. It means addressing the concerns of parents, teachers, and students, advocating for affordable healthcare, and ensuring public safety—while respecting constitutional rights—so families can feel secure in their homes and on their roads.

It also means ensuring that every voter has a fair shot at shaping our future—because elections should belong to the people, not just the parties. Since our elections are funded by taxpayers—who are we the people—every eligible voter deserves a voice. That is why I support protecting the right to initiative and referendum, ensuring fair primaries, and securing transparent, accessible elections. These reforms put voters first, restore trust, and strengthen our state and republic.

It is a debt owed to every person I seek to serve and to future generations who will inherit this long after we are gone. They deserve an inheritance worth having, a future built on renewal and shared purpose. They deserve to know that when, in our greatest times of discontent, we chose not to see each other as enemies but as neighbors, as fellow citizens, as a people who understood we were worth fighting for side by side—not because we agreed on all things, but because we believed this state and this republic was worth keeping.

With respect for all Arkansans,

Joshua Irby

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