Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Democratic challenger Erika Askeland has won the seat for Arkansas State House of Representatives District 32, unseating the six-consecutive-term incumbent, Republican Rep. Jack Ladyman.

According to unofficial election results, Askeland received 51% of the vote, or 3,537 votes, while opponent Ladyman received 49%, or 3,435 votes.

“I am absolutely in shock right now, but I also understand that this is the result of so much hard work by myself, my family, and everyone that I’ve surrounded myself with,” she told JRN Wednesday.

Askeland said she intends to focus on bolstering healthcare in the state, as well as making some changes regarding the LEARNS Act, specifically in how Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds are allocated and managed.

“Having some changes to LEARNS that make it to where people stay in this profession that I love do dearly and make sure that we bolster the 85% and more of public school students across the state of Arkansas, because the current system under our current, and now reelected, governor is not working,” she said.

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Askeland has worked in early childhood education for over 20 years, including teaching in Jonesboro, Marked Tree and Brookland. She currently teaches 3rd grade at Brookland Public Schools.

Regarding balancing her time between being a public school teacher and legislator, Askeland said she was working out details with her school administrators and family.

“There will be a balance that will be fair for the students I serve and the students all across the state of Arkansas,” she said.

In the 95th General Assembly, Ladyman served as Vice Chair on the Arkansas Legislative Council, as well as serving on the House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee, the House Insurance and Commerce Committee, and the Joint Energy Committee. He works as a mechanical engineer.

Ladyman told JRN Wednesday that he appreciated the people that came out to vote for him and have supported him over the last 12 years.

“I really appreciate them allowing me to serve the state and serve the people of District 32,” he said. “It’s been a great honor, and I will continue to work to help District 32, Jonesboro, Craighead County and the state in any way I can.”

Looking back at the six consecutive terms he served in the Arkansas House, Ladyman said there is a lot that he’s proud of. He thought back to the first bill he ran, an amendment to the Arkansas constitution which gives certain county officials like county judges and sheriffs four-year terms instead of two-year terms.

“I think that helps the county officials do a better job. Also, I think, I know it saves the state of Arkansas $7 million every other election,” he said.

He also highlighted his legislative work for the disabled, particularly securing funding for the Jonesboro Human Development Center (JHDC).

“I’ve run a number of bills on disabilities, and I’m very proud of that,” Ladyman said, noting he had another bill prepared for $20 million to rebuild residential units at the JHDC. “I don’t think that’s going to happen with me not going back.”

Ladyman also pointed to his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as chair of the Public Health Committee for two terms, as well as his efforts on energy policy over the last four years.

“I think it’s really important to the state, and I’m going to continue to promote and try to help and work on that in another way,” he added.

District 32 is a portion of Craighead County, with parts of Jonesboro included in the district.

Askeland’s win was one of many races locally in which Democratic candidates unseated incumbent Republicans. It comes as Democrats nationally gained control of both chambers of Congress Tuesday night, the Associated Press reported.

On the Craighead County Quorum Court, Democrat Jolene Mullet defeated Republican Brad Noel in District 1; Democrat Blake Walker defeated Republican Barry Forrest in District 3; Democrat Rosann Askeland (who is Erika’s mother) defeated Republican Rick Myers in District 5; and Democrat Ross Kerley defeated Republican Darrell Cook in District 6.

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