Linda Collins-Smith

Linda Collins-Smith is an incoming Republican member of the Arkansas State Senate. She formerly served in the Arkansas House of Representatives.

In 2008, Collins-Smith was appointed to the Arkansas Ethics Commission by Jack Critcher, the Senate Pro Tem. She ran for election to the Arkansas House in 2010, to represent the 80th district.[1] She won her contest and served one termfrom 2011 through 2013. Though elected as a member of the Democratic Party in 2010, she switched parties in August 2011.[2][3]

In redistricting, Collins-Smith was moved to the same district as Republican incumbent Lori Benedict. Collins-Smith chose to run for the Arkansas Senate in the 19th district rather than challenge Benedict.[4] Incumbent Democratic Senator David Wyatt defeated Collins-Smith in the 2012 election. In the November 4, 2014 general election, Collins-Smith defeated James McLean to become the District 19 State Senator.

Collins-Smith is from Pocahontas,[2] where she owns and operates a Days Inn. Her husband is a circuit court judge. They have two children.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Local News: Collins-Smith seeks District 80 State Rep position (07/09/09)". Area Wide News. July 9, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Business, Talk (August 8, 2011). "Rep. Collins-smith Joins Republican Ranks (updated)". Talkbusiness.net. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  3. ↑ Demillo, Andrew (August 10, 2011). "Arkansas Rep. Linda Collins-Smith switches to GOP". Deseret News. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  4. ↑ Tammy Curtis (November 26, 2011). "Local News: Collins-Smith announces State Senate candidacy (11/26/11)". Area Wide News. Retrieved October 28, 2013.

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