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Little Rock political activist announces candidacy for U.S. Congress in Arkansas 2nd District

Little Rock political activist announces candidacy for U.S. Congress in Arkansas 2nd District

Yahoo13-05-2025

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Little Rock man with a history of political activity has announced his candidacy for the Arkansas second district.
Chase McDowell said he will challenge incumbent Rep. French Hill (AR-02) for the seat.
Arkansas constituents voice concerns at town hall meeting for 2nd Congressional district
McDowell's candidate website touts his being a Godly lifelong Arkansan and an 'America First Conservative' willing to be a 'backup for President Trump.'
'We need leaders who are not in debt to lobbyists or cushioned by a lifetime in politics—we need leaders who have walked the hard road, lived the sacrifice, and never stopped believing in the promise of this country,' he said in his candidacy announcement.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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