The Republican Party of Arkansas (RPA) will hold its Summer State Committee Meeting on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Republican Party of Arkansas Headquarters in Little Rock. All committee members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important event. This meeting will include the consideration of key rules clarifications and amendments that could directly impact the function and consistency of Republican County Committees across the state.
*Below are three different submissions sent in to the Republican Party of Arkansas Rules Committee for consideration. As of publication, we know of only one that has been not recommended to be heard at the State Committee Meeting by the Rules Committee, and that is the submission by the district chairs. Conduit will keep you informed as we learn more.
Rules Proposal Submitted by District Chairs and ARCCA President
A rules revision has been formally submitted by:
- Jennifer Hopper, 1st District Chair
- Rebecca Smith, 2nd District Chair
- Susan Gessler, 3rd District Chair
- Diana Lowe, 4th District Chair, and
- Clay Hooten, President of the Arkansas Republican County Chairman Association (ARCCA)
In a recent email, ARCCA President Clay Hooten emphasized the intent behind the proposed rule change:
“The purpose of the rules revision is to provide clarity and consistency to county committees across Arkansas concerning inactive members… This is a common-sense proposal that validates the customary practices of county committees. It simply clarifies that inactive members may not vote.”
It’s important to remember that this issue was already settled by a vote of the Republican State Committee during the 2017–2018 meetings. At that time, it was clearly decided that inactive members could NOT vote, and that rule has been in place for years.
However, on March 31, 2025, an “advisory opinion” was issued stating that inactive members could vote—effectively overturning a rule passed by the full State Committee.
(Are we seeing a pattern here? The irony is hard to miss.)
So, what’s the solution?
This new rules proposal simply restores what was previously decided: inactive members can regain voting rights by attending two consecutive meetings. It’s a straightforward, common-sense fix.
View the full proposal and supporting documentation:
- RPA Rules Proposed Revision for the 2025 Summer State Meeting
- RPA July 2017 Minutes
- July 2018 Proposed Rules change
Rules Proposals Submitted by Senator Josh Bryant
State Senator Josh Bryant (R – Rogers) submitted two proposed amendments on June 1, 2025, aimed at clarifying qualifications for candidates and ensuring voter integrity during Republican primaries:
Amendment #1 – Candidate Requirements
Clarifies that candidates must be registered Republicans before paying their filing fees.
ARTICLE I – General Provisions
Section 4 – Candidates for Public Office
A. A candidate who possesses those qualifications required by the laws of Arkansas and the United States of America, shall affirm his or her concurrence with the principles and objectives of Republican Party of Arkansas, be registered as a Republican before remitting filing fees, and pay the prescribed filing fees.
Amendment #2 – Primary Election Integrity
Specifies that individuals registered as Democrats may not receive a Republican primary ballot.
B. Qualified electors shall NOT be a registered Democrat before being issued a Republican primary ballot to vote in a Republican party primary election.
Conduit fully supports all three proposed rules changes. We believe these are common-sense changes that every member of the State Committee should support and vote for.
Each county has three votes — the County Chair, the State Committeeman and State Committeewoman. If you’re in one of those roles, we urge you to vote YES at the upcoming State Committee meeting.
Elected officials and Constitutional officers will also be in attendance and voting. Urge those members to support these rules changes as well.
Unfortunately, we’ve been advised that the RPA Rules Committee has not recommended the first proposed rules change submitted by all four district chairs (regarding inactives voting) to be heard at the State Committee Meeting. If history is any guide, they may try to prevent the proposals from even reaching the floor for a vote.
Will the Rules Committee once again block grassroots reforms from being heard?
Conduit is hopeful that this time, the full State Committee will follow its own rules and ensure these proposals are debated and voted on in the open.
Meeting Details & Registration
The official Call to the State Committee is expected soon, but you can go ahead and register now at this link: Register for 2025 State Committee Meeting here
Download & Print the Proxy Form
Washington County Republican Committee Passes Resolution in Support of Rules Proposal by District Chairs
At the Regular Washington County Republican Meeting on May 20, 2025, the committee voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution, reciting the importance of the RPA Rules to be made clear to all who wish to remain within this association. In part, the Resolution states:
Resolved, that the Washington County Chairman and other WCRC voting members to the State Committee 2025 Summer Meeting, including elected officials representing any portion of Washington County with a vote at said State Committee:
- cast their vote during the 2025 Summer State Committee meeting (or so direct their proxy) in favor of hearing the attached timely submission;
- cast their vote during the 2025 Summer State Committee meeting (or so direct their proxy) in support of the attached submission which clarifies that inactive members may not vote; and
- the Chair of WCRC send, or direct another to send on his behalf, by June 10, 2025, a copy of this resolution electronically to all voting members of 2025 Summer State Committee who represent Washington County as stated above.
*scroll up to see the document exhibit A referenced in resolution
Join ARCCA for Breakfast Before the Meeting
All members and guests are invited to join the Arkansas Republican County Chairman Association (ARCCA) for a full breakfast before the meeting.
📍 Location: Red and Blue Event Center, 1416 W 7th Street, Little Rock
🕢 Time: 7:30 – 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 21
💲 Cost: Free for ARCCA members, $10 for guests
🍳 Full Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, biscuits, coffee, fruit, juice & more
🎟 Reserve your seat (space is limited):
Text Ross Little Jr. at 337-654-8004
Please include your name(s) and email – Limit 2 seats per request.
Stay informed, get involved, and make your voice count at the Summer State Committee Meeting.
