Arkansas State Representative Jeremy Wooldridge (R–House District 1) joined Conduit News for a wide-ranging discussion covering his legislative priorities, policy outlook, and upcoming race for Senate District 21. The conversation spanned major issues from the farming crisis to tax reform, prison expansion, and election integrity.
Background and Legislative Overview (00:00:36 – 00:03:25)
Wooldridge, who represents parts of Greene, Clay, and Randolph counties, reflected on his second term in the Arkansas House. He emphasized accessibility and community engagement, noting that “the district doesn’t belong to me — the people of Northeast Arkansas have given me an opportunity to be their voice.”
He praised Speaker Brian Evans and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for effective leadership in the most recent session, calling it a productive one for Arkansans.
Constituent Concerns and Farming Crisis (00:03:42 – 00:07:18)
Among the top issues raised by constituents, Wooldridge cited energy costs, property taxes, and the ongoing farming crisis. He attended the recent townhall in Brookland and said the crisis stems from “a culmination of years of policy” that eroded markets for producers.
He described farmers’ main concern as simple: “We just want a fair market and a place to sell our product.”
Fluoride Bill and Local Control (00:07:46 – 00:10:27)
As House Public Health Committee co-chair, Wooldridge discussed his vote to advance Sen. Clint Penzo’s Senate Bill 2, which repealed a statewide fluoride mandate. He said his support stemmed from a belief that “government works best closest to the people,” arguing that local water systems should make such decisions.
Welfare Eligibility Bill (00:10:27 – 00:12:38)
Wooldridge also explained his support for Rep. Eubanks’ House Bill 1915, which would have raised asset limits for certain welfare eligibility. He cited concerns from elderly constituents unable to save for basic expenses, calling the proposal “reasonable” and rooted in his faith-based approach to service: “What you do for the least of these, you’ve done for me.”
Franklin County Prison Proposal (00:13:03 – 00:17:27)
Discussing the proposed Franklin County prison (SB309), Wooldridge said he supports adding prison capacity but wants more data on feasibility and costs. He underscored his principle: “Tell me in a way that I can’t say no, and show me that I can afford it.” He added that Arkansas must “lock up people we’re scared of, not people we’re mad at,” stressing the need to move violent offenders from county jails into state facilities.
Election Integrity and Ballot Initiatives (00:17:27 – 00:22:11)
On Sen. Kim Hammer’s election integrity package, Wooldridge voted against several measures that he said would make it harder for citizens to petition the government. “I believe firmly that the people should have the ability to petition their government,” he said, emphasizing consistency in upholding fundamental rights.
Regarding paper ballots, he expressed caution, citing concerns about manpower and human error, but remained open to exploring options if accuracy and timeliness could be maintained.
Economic Development Districts (00:22:28 – 00:24:41)
Wooldridge defended his support for the proposed constitutional amendment creating economic development districts, saying it offers rural communities new tools for growth.
“I’ve lived all of my life in rural Arkansas,” he said. “This is a tool that lets local communities come together to attract jobs and opportunities — with oversight and transparency.”
Taxes and Role of Government (00:25:05 – 00:28:01)
Addressing taxes, Wooldridge called for continued efforts to reduce income and property taxes while maintaining essential infrastructure. “Government should do for us collectively what we can’t do for ourselves individually,” he said, adding that individuals “can spend their money better than the state of Arkansas can.”
Senate Run Against Sen. Blake Johnson (00:28:01 – 00:31:16)
Wooldridge confirmed his campaign for Senate District 21, framing it as an opportunity to “serve the people,” not run against anyone personally.
“The seat belongs to the people, not an individual,” he said. He emphasized his motivation to keep opportunities alive for his children in Northeast Arkansas and stated,
“The only endorsement I’m looking for is the endorsement of the people of Northeast Arkansas.”
