The Republican Party of Arkansas put out a press release early this morning saying it would reveal at 2:30 p.m. today the name of a Democratic legislator who is defecting to the GOP. A spokesman for the Democratic Party of Arkansas says the party is 99 percent sure that the legislator is Rep. Mike Holcomb of Pine Bluff.

Holcomb represents House District 10, which includes portions of Lincoln, Cleveland, Grant, Drew and Jefferson counties.

Advertisement

H.L. Moody, spokesman for the Democratic Party, said Holcomb did not caucus or vote with the party, and so he’s probably found the right home. Moody said Holcomb is leaving a party that welcomes varying points of view for one that allows “not a lot of room for discussion.”

Moody said he’d heard there could be additional legislative Dems switching teams, but couldn’t provide any names.

Advertisement

In 2014, Holcomb won his district as a Democrat with 58 percent of the vote. A former judge and educator, he holds a vice-chair position on the House Public Transportation committee and also sits on the influential House State Agencies committee.

Moody said Holcomb will have Democratic opposition when he runs in 2016

Advertisement

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article A Democrat for House District 58: Jonesboro lawyer Nate Looney announces candidacy Next article ‘Hands on a Hardbody’ screening tonight cancelled