A person who has spoken to state House Majority Leader Bruce Westerman says the lawmaker plans to run for the south Arkansas congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton.
The person said Westerman planned to announce in August he'll seek the Republican nomination for the 4th District after Cotton launches his bid for the U.S. Senate. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Cotton had not yet formally launched his Senate campaign.
Cotton's expected candidacy will set off a domino effect for other state offices. Lt. Gov. Mark Darr has also said he's likely to run for Cotton's seat if Cotton runs for Senate.
Janis Percefull, a community college teacher, is the only Democrat running for the 4th District seat.