Current:Home > InvestState senator to challenge Womack in GOP primary for US House seat in northwest Arkansas -Prosperity Pathways
State senator to challenge Womack in GOP primary for US House seat in northwest Arkansas
View
Date:2025-04-24 17:33:38
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — State Sen. Clint Penzo on Monday said he’ll challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Womack in the Republican primary next year for a northwest Arkansas congressional district.
Penzo filed paperwork with the state to run for the 3rd District seat that Womack was first elected to in 2010. Penzo, a real estate agent from Springdale, was elected to the state Senate last year and previously served three terms in the Arkansas House.
Penzo criticized Womack as not conservative enough for the district, saying the incumbent congressman “lost touch” with his constituents.
“The difference between Steve Womack and me is that I told the voters I would be a conservative fighter they could trust, and I have stood firm. I haven’t changed,” Penzo said in a news release.
Womack’s reelection campaign has more than $2 million cash on hand and he has the support of the state’s top Republicans. After Penzo said earlier this month that he was considering challenging the incumbent lawmaker, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Sen. Tom Cotton and Sen. John Boozman endorsed Womack’s reelection bid.
“Elections are about choices and are a contest of ideas. That’s the genius of America,” Womack said in a statement after Penzo launched his bid. “I’m proud to live in a country where the people get to decide. I will always do what I think is right, take care of my district, and be focused on our national security.”
Womack easily won reelection last year in the heavily Republican district with more than 63% of the vote.
Penzo criticized Womack for opposing Rep. Jim Jordan’s unsuccessful bid to replace ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Womack instead voted for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who withdrew his bid after facing opposition from GOP hardliners. Womack ultimately voted for Mike Johnson, who was elected speaker.
Womack called his vote for Scalise “matter of principle.”
“He defeated Mr. Jordan in our conference vote and then was promptly kneecapped before he could win over his opponents,” Womack said at the time.
Caitlin Draper, a social worker, is running as a Democrat for Womack’s seat. Tuesday is the last day for candidates to qualify for the ballot in Arkansas.
veryGood! (865)
Related
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Get a Mess-Free Tan in 1 Hour and Save 63% On Tan-Luxe Self-Tanning Mousse
- More children than ever displaced and at risk of violence and exploitation, U.N. warns
- Doja Cat Claps Back Over Plastic Surgery Confessions
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- 45 bags containing human remains found after 7 young people go missing in western Mexico
- Microsoft president Brad Smith on real concern about Chinese malware targeting critical infrastructure
- Nick Jonas' Hilariously Relatable Dad Moment Proves He's Only Human
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Charli D’Amelio and Landon Barker Share Sweet Glimpse Inside Their Relationship
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Why Adam Sandler Is “Psyched” for Jennifer Aniston’s Future Partner
- Australia police offer $1 million reward in case of boy who vanished half a century ago
- Iran frees 3 Europeans in prisoner swap as detained American's lawyer denies rumors of imminent release
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Gwyneth Paltrow Speaks Out After Court Victory in Ski Crash Case
- Man admits killing French woman in drunken shooting game involving hunting rifle, bullet-proof vest
- Turkey's President Erdogan wins runoff election, set to remain in power until 2028
Recommendation
Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
Gwyneth Paltrow Trial: Daughter Apple Martin Says Mom Was Shaken Up After Ski Crash
North Korea condemns gangster-like reactions of U.S. to spy satellite launch
Remembering murdered journalist George Polk
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
French classic Citroen 2CV car made of wood fetches record price at auction, and it even runs
TLC's Jazz Jennings and Gabe Paboga Detail the Beauty and Terror of Being Transgender on TV
Ukrainian military chief hints that counteroffensive could be coming soon