Mayberry: Busy mom, so spouse plans run

Freshman state Rep. Julie Mayberry, R-East End, said Tuesday that she's not seeking re-election because her four daughters are her top priority and it was tough for her to wear "both hats" as a mother and lawmaker during this year's regular session.

So she said she's backing her husband, former state Rep. Andy Mayberry, R-East End, to succeed her in House District District 27, which includes parts of both Pulaski and Saline counties.

"For now, this is what works best," Andy Mayberry said in an interview. "We do everything as a team."

Andy Mayberry served in the state House of Representatives from 2011-2015, losing his bid for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor last year. Julie Mayberry has served in the House since January.

The couple operate the East Ender monthly newspaper in Saline County and Mayberry Advertising. She is director of a nonprofit group called I Can that provides extracurricular activities such as dance and art to special-needs children.

The Mayberrys announced on social media Monday that Julie Mayberry wouldn't seek re-election and that her husband would seek election to her seat. They are both 44.

Julie Mayberry wrote on Facebook that "the session took a toll on me.

"I felt led to be there, especially to represent special needs families but at the same time, worried that I was being torn between being mom of 4 and legislator," she wrote.

"Our daughter Katie, who has spina bifida, was in and out of the hospital during the beginning of the session and had several health issues the rest of the session. I know I sat in my seat in the House and cried one day because she was at the ER at Ark. Children's Hospital with Andy and not me. Andy is very capable of being there with her, but I was [supposed] to be with her."

Julie Mayberry said Tuesday in an interview that her job "is to first make sure" Katie, who is 13, is taken care of.

The couple's other children are 9, 10 and 15 years old, Julie Mayberry said.

"They are my first priority," she said, adding, "It was difficult for me to wear both hats" as a mother and lawmaker.

"I tried my hardest," she said.

Andy Mayberry said the decision "just is better for this particular season of our lives."

Julie Mayberry said she's not ruling out another bid for elected office.

Metro on 08/05/2015

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