As we reported earlier, Rep. Mike Holcomb of Pine Bluff, elected as a Democrat, is now a Republican. The Republican Party of Arkansas announced Holcomb’s switch at a press conference this afternoon attended by the governor, party chair Doyle Webb and others.
According to the news release (in full on the jump), Holcomb says his values — that gay people should not be allowed to marry and that abortion should be illegal — are more closely aligned with those of Republicans than Democrats.
Holcomb is serving his second term in the legislature. He was Jefferson County judge for six years prior to his election to the House, and as judge he successfully campaigned for a 3/8th-cent sales tax increase for economic development.
State Representative Mike Holcomb Changes Party Affiliation to Republican
Little Rock, Ark—The Republican Party of Arkansas welcomed a new member today, State Representative Mike Holcomb of the Sulphur Springs community of Jefferson County. A press conference attended by Representative Holcomb, Governor Asa Hutchinson, House Majority Leader Ken Bragg, members of the General Assembly, and State Party Chairman Doyle Webb, was held at the Republican Party of Arkansas Headquarters in Little Rock today at 2:30PM.
Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb said Representative Holcomb has been met with “open arms”.
“The Republican Party of Arkansas has seen tremendous success over the past three election cycles. The candidates voters have chosen are indicative of their conservative values being take to the ballot box. Representative Holcomb, like many of our fellow Arkansans, realizes that the Democratic Party does not stand for their values. We are excited to welcome Representative Holcomb to the Republican Party”, stated Webb.
Representative Holcomb stressed the important role his faith has played in the decision, citing the call as a Christian to stand up for Biblical principles.
Holcomb made the following statement:
“I’ve chosen to join the Republican Party because I firmly believe that the conservative values they represent best align with my own personal beliefs and convictions. I believe in the sanctity of life. I believe in traditional marriage. I believe in helping Arkansans. Moving forward, I am excited to caucus and work with my fellow Republican legislators as we focus on Arkansas—her needs, values, and future.”
The Republican House Caucus issued the following statement:
“The House Republican Caucus would like to commend Representative Mike Holcomb for his decision to align with the Republican Party of Arkansas. We welcome his membership into the majority Republican Caucus.
This is a time many Democrats are questioning their affiliation with a party that is out of touch with what the majority of Arkansans believe on critical issues. Representative Holcomb believes in preserving our Second Amendment rights, the right to life of unborn children, and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.
These are issues that distinctively separate the Democrat and Republican parties and are creating the necessity for voters to choose the party that reflects the values in which they believe. We would like to extend an invitation to align with the Republican Party of Arkansas to those candidates and voters who share these values and find themselves at the same decision point.”