David McAvoy

I was born and raised in Wynne, Arkansas. My family were regular folks.: the men in my dad’s family had all worked on tow boats, my maternal grandmother was a school teacher, and my maternal grandfather a WWII era vet who sold life insurance. I benefitted from a good public school, great teachers, and a high school librarian who made sure I got my first scholarship. I came to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where I live today, for college almost 20 years ago and have been here ever since. I work as a paralegal and live with my spouse, Roby.

• A good public education system is vital. We have to support our schools and teachers rather than defunding and overburdening them.
• We have to have an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthiest people and big businesses.
• Arkansas has a corruption problem. I’m running to bring honesty and ethics to state government.

A great many, but I really think if we can tackle ethics/lobbying/campaign finance reform that will be the first key step to making some bigger positive changes.

My grandfather was a huge influence in my life and I will always strive to live up to the example he set. For more political and historical figures, President Harry Truman and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm for their determination and refusal to back down and Arkansas Governor (and Senator) Dale Bumpers for his integrity.

Integrity, compassion for others, the willingness to listen and learn, and the courage to do what’s right when doing so isn’t easy or popular.

To care about the people we represent and the people the laws we enact will impact. Do deliver good policies and results for them.

If I can just leave things a little better than they were before and pass the torch for someone to carry farther, that will be enough for me.

The Gulf War. I was about four or five and my parents were afraid I’d see it on the news and be scared, so they made a point of talking to me about it. Rather than scaring me, I think it probably sparked my interest in geography, history, and current affairs.

I’ve had past battles with depression and anxiety. There were times when I felt like I was about to be swallowed up by it all. I’m better now, having gotten help and treatment, and I want others to know they aren’t alone and there’s nothing wrong with getting help.

Ideally they should be able to work together towards solutions that benefit the people of our state. At the same time, we do have a system of checks and balances for good reason and the legislature is there to provide oversight, hold the Governor accountable, and say no when their policies and actions aren’t benefitting the state.

The rest of the country is getting far ahead of us. We were already struggling and now we’re going backwards. Our biggest challenge is going to be catching back up.

It certainly can be but it’s not totally necessary. Sometimes a fresh, outside perspective is needed.

Absolutely. You have to build working relationships with your colleagues to get things done in the legislature.

I think every penny spent to be as transparent as possible in what it’s supposed to be spent on and where it actually ends up. Sunlight is the best disinfectant in government.

Majority Leader:Howard Beaty

Minority Leader:Andrew Collins

Republican Party (81)

Democratic Party (19)