A retired high school teacher from Maumelle has announced a campaign to unseat state Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, a member of the House Education Committee.
Monica Ball, a Democrat, plans to run in House District 39, which Lowery has represented since 2013. The district includes parts of Pulaski County, including the city of Maumelle and Camp Robinson.
In her news release, Ball spoke of losing health insurance after her husband's death two years ago and of food insecurity among Arkansans.
"It shouldn't be this way in the world's wealthiest nation," Ball wrote. "That's why I'm committed to working towards accessible and affordable health care for all; strengthening public education; wise use of our natural and financial resources in Arkansas; and fighting for fair and equitable treatment for all under the law."
Reached by phone, Lowery said he is planning to run for re-election. He said after reading Ball's release he didn't think the two candidates would be far apart on the issues, noting his support for the state's private-option Medicaid expansion program and his experience on the Education Committee.
"The people of my district are well taken care of," Lowery said.
Ball did not return a request for additional comment.
Her resume states that she is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and has a master's degree from the University of Central Arkansas. She taught at high schools in North Little Rock and Little Rock for 28 years, and has two sons and two grandchildren.
Metro on 11/11/2017