Asa Hutchinson was sworn into office Tuesday, officially becoming the state's 46th elected governor and only the fourth Republican since Reconstruction to hold the office.
Hutchinson was administered the oath of office before a packed audience during a joint session of the House and Senate in the House chambers Tuesday morning.
Also sworn in to office during the joint session Tuesday were the state's constitutional officers: Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, Secretary of State Mark Martin, Treasurer Dennis Milligan, Auditor Andrea Lea, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Land Commissioner John Thurston.
Hutchinson was set next to deliver his inaugural address from the front steps of the Capitol. In remarks from his speech made available Monday, Hutchinson called for "common ground" between Democrats and Republicans and said his focus will be on improving the state's economy.
"We can compete and win in this global marketplace by lowering our tax rates, starting with the middle class; by improving job skill training in our high schools and two-year colleges; by offering computer science in every high school; and by reducing the burden of unreasonable regulations on our businesses,” Hutchinson said in the advance remarks.
Hutchinson called it a "new and exciting chapter," telling lawmakers to "embrace the energy of change and growth" and not settle for the status quo.
"Let me tell you, friends and colleagues: The status quo for Arkansas is not acceptable," he said.
Hutchinson said his primary focus will be on the state's economy, beginning with his proposed tax cut for middle-income earners. He described that as his first order of business.
Hutchinson said he would lay out his plan for health care reform in a Jan. 22 address and will present a balanced budget proposal by the end of the month.
"It will reflect priorities I hope you will agree and concur with," he said of the budget.
After speaking in the chamber, Hutchinson then proceeded to an inaugural ceremony on the steps of the Capitol, where several hundred supporters gathered to see a recreation of his swearing-in and hear additional remarks.
Hutchinson, speaking beside a crowd that included former governors Mike Huckabee, Jim Guy Tucker and David Pryor, recognized the "historic" nature of the Republican gains in November.
"But governing is not about which political party is in the majority," he said. "Governing is about setting aside differences and searching for common ground. And as we search for the common ground, we realize that our differences are smaller than we thought and our hearts are larger than we imagined."
The full text of Hutchinson's inaugural address is available here.
Hutchinson defeated Democrat Mike Ross in the November election, winning the state's top office eight years after his first, unsuccessful attempt. The victory was part of a Republican sweep that saw the party gain control of the state legislature and all of its constitutional offices.
See Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.
