ROGERS -- Rep. Rebecca Petty, R-Rogers, is now the only state House member in Benton County to prevail over a Democratic challenger three elections in a row.
Democratic challenger Jene Huffman-Gilreath acknowledged during the campaign that winning the district would be an uphill fight, but added she believed momentum was shifting in Democrats' direction.
The complete but unofficial vote totals were:
• Petty: 3,956(56%)
• Huffman-Gilreath: 3,074(44%)
Petty, 48, mother of a 1999 murder victim, is known for being an advocate for child safety, the rights of victims' families and for law enforcement issues. She works as a child and crime victim consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Huffman-Gilreath, 41, said in the campaign that Petty had a compelling life story, but was too focused on those issues. Her constituents approve of her efforts, Huffman-Gilreath said, but they also know the district needs roads and approve of her efforts to increase the state's share of its spending on such infrastructure.
Both candidates agreed in separate interviews that the region's most visible need is money for roads. Petty said the other priority issue in the district is public safety such as law enforcement. She is a member of the Judiciary Committee and also of the Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee.
The district needs other infrastructure besides roads, Huffman-Gilreath said. Her job as a shared services manager for the Rogers Water Utility and previous experience in the private sector gives her insight into other needs such as revamped utilities, she said.
State House members serve two-year terms and have an annual salary of $39,400.
Politics on 11/06/2018