SPRINGDALE -- Democratic challenger Megan Godfrey defeated Rep. Jeff Williams, R-Springdale, in final but unofficial results Tuesday in one of the most diverse districts in the state.
The vote totals were:
• Williams: 1,827(50%)
• Godfrey: 1,857(50%)
House District 89 is home to long-time Springdale families, a large Spanish-speaking contingent and many Marshall Islanders. The district stretches from 40th Street on the west past Butterfield Coach Road on the east. It goes from U.S. 412 on the south to the Benton County line on the north.
Godfrey, 34, is a Springdale High School graduate who returned to her home town to raise her family, she said. She worked in the Springdale School District for nine years as a teacher and as a curriculum specialist for the district's English as a Second Language program. This was her first political race.
Godfrey attributed the win to her campaign teams work and dedication, and to a clear campaign message of being "for families, for fairness and for the future." During the campaign, she said she received strong, positive responses to addressing Spanish-speaking constituents in their first language.
Williams, 55, won his first race in 2016 against bilingual candidate Irvin Camacho, a Democrat, with 56 percent of the vote. He is owner of Williams and Associates Property Tax Management of Springdale.
Williams has pointed to his record of achievements in the campaign that included convincing the governor's administration to extend ArKids state health plan benefits to the Marshallese population, a long-sought goal of child welfare advocates that also required legislation Williams sponsored.
State House members serve two-year terms and have an annual salary of $39,400.
Politics on 11/06/2018