Lawmakers, officials respond to the death of Gov. Jim Guy Tucker
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Lawmakers responded to the news of the Thursday passing of former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke of Tucker's impact on the state:
'Bryan and I join the rest of Arkansas in mourning the loss of former Governor Jim Guy Tucker. Jim Guy was part of a generation of larger-than-life Arkansans who dominated Arkansas' political life when I was growing up and had an immeasurable impact on our state. From his tenure as a prosecuting attorney, state attorney general, U.S. congressman, lieutenant governor, and governor, Jim Guy was dedicated to public service and providing for the most vulnerable Arkansans. As a student at Little Rock Central, I was classmates with Jim Guy's daughter, Sarah. We were both part of a very small club of Arkansas First Daughters and we became fast friends, even running on a joint ticket as Huck and Tuck at Girls State. It was a time and friendship I will always cherish. Our prayers are with Sarah, Anna, Betty, the entire Tucker family, and all who knew and loved Jim Guy.'
Former Arkansas Governor and current Ambassador to Israel (and father to the Arkansas governor) Mike Huckabee reacted quickly to the death of former Gov. Jim Guy Tucker on Thursday. Huckabee, who was lieutenant governor and stepped into the governor's role when Tucker resigned, issued a statement:
'Governor Tucker and I actually had a very cordial working relationship through most of what was at times an awkward time. His moving up to Governor left a vacancy in the Lieutenant Governor's office and a special election was held in 1993 to fill it. I don't think anyone expected me to win, but when I did it marked a time when the Democrat Governor had a Republican Lt. Governor. Despite our political differences, we had a good working relationship and our communication was professional and cooperative. Things became more strained after his trial began and in the interim between his conviction in May and his announced resignation date for July 15. When he announced he was rescinding his resignation just five minutes before I was to assume office, it certainly created a very chaotic day, but it resolved that same day. I felt then and now that his lifetime of public service as a Prosecutor, Attorney General, Congressman, Lt. Governor and Governor should not be remembered for a few hours on what must have been a very difficult day for him. Instead, I will remember that we worked together when it was best for the state. Our daughters were actually classmates and friends in high school and I had great respect for his overcoming many health challenges so he could continue to serve the state he truly loved.'
Former Arkansas governor, President Bill Clinton, presidential candidate, and former First Lady issued a joint statement on the news of Tucker's passing.
Tucker assumed office after then-Gov. Bill Clinton was elected president. He had been lieutenant governor under Clinton.
'Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Guy Tucker, a friend of more than 50 years whose life of service made Arkansas better, fairer, and stronger. As Prosecuting Attorney, Attorney General, Congressman, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor, he worked tirelessly to improve people's lives and build a brighter future for our state. He accomplished a great deal, and would have achieved even more had his tenure not been unjustly cut short by a partisan witch hunt.
I'll always be grateful for his support in the early days of my political career—encouraging me to run for Congress in 1974 and, when he was Attorney General, giving me the opportunity to write a brief for the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the state in 1976. I respected the vigorous campaign he waged in the 1982 gubernatorial primary, but I liked our cooperation much more—especially in my final term as Governor when he was Lieutenant Governor, and when I was in the White House and he was leading the state.
Jim Guy was a good and honorable man and a good citizen who bore life's setbacks, including his health challenges, with dignity and determination. His legacy will live on with all the people whose lives he touched, especially all those who had to keep going through their own adversity.'
My thoughts and prayers are with Betty, his children and grandchildren, and everyone who loved and supported him.'
Arkansas Sec. of State Cole Jester spoke of his admiration:
'My office was saddened by the news of former governor Jim Guy Tucker's death. Despite political differences, I always admired his heart for Arkansas and service to the great people of this state. We will be praying for his friends and family as they grieve this tremendous loss.'
Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR 4th District) offered condolences
'My deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones of former Arkansas Governor, Jim Guy Tucker, as they mourn his passing. I'm grateful to Mr. Tucker's public service to the great state of Arkansas.'
Rep. French Hill (R-AR 2nd District) spoke of his time working with Tucker'
'Martha and I are saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor Jim Guy Tucker. Governor Tucker served as my predecessor in the U.S. House of Representatives from the Second Congressional District from 1977 to 1979. During that time, he was a kind and thoughtful mentor to me during my high school and college years. During his time as our governor, we collaborated on the design and construction of the beautiful new visitor center at the Historic Arkansas Museum, known then as the Arkansas Territorial Restoration. Over the years, it was such a pleasure to see him, share my experiences in Congress, and seek his advice. Martha and I extend our condolences and prayers for comfort to Betty and the entire family. Arkansas has lost a great advocate.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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