Arkansas Democrats on Saturday selected state Rep. Michael John Gray as chairman of the party.
The House minority leader now takes on the top administrative role as the party works to regain its footing in the state.
The Augusta farmer had pressed for the party to develop a sharper focus on economic issues and to attract grass-roots support in poor and rural areas.
Gray defeated Denise Garner, a nonprofit executive from Fayetteville, at a meeting of the party's State Committee in North Little Rock by a vote of 120-107.
As he takes the role of party chairman, which is not paid, Gray said he will step down as leader of the House Democratic caucus. He will continue to serve in the state Legislature.
The election of a chairman was the first for the Democratic Party of Arkansas since 2005, when Jason Willett was selected to lead a party that had majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature as well as a hold on representation in Congress.
After Democrats took back the Governor's Mansion in 2007, the chairmen were appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe, including outgoing leader Vincent Insalaco.
During that time, the Democrats lost control over most of the state and federal offices.
Taking the microphone on a walk across the stage during his candidacy speech, Gray said black Democratic candidates had been "bullied" in south Arkansas and that families were worried about the economy and maintaining health coverage in Pulaski County and Northwest Arkansas.
"We're gonna talk about it, and that's when we're gonna win. When they know we're here fighting for them, that's when we're going to win," Gray said.
The narrow edge for Gray was a surprise to some Democrats. In letters sent out by each of the candidates ahead of the meeting, Garner claimed nearly twice as many pledged supporters as Gray.
The pair were widely seen as the two front-runners in the race, though both had eschewed the "establishment" label.
Four others had thrown their names into the race, though none received a nomination from the floor.
"It's all good, we're all friends and we're all part of the same team," Garner said after the vote. She said her sights are set on finding people to run for office.
Gray said it was support from his House colleagues that put him over the edge. They made up 22 of the 228 committee members who were at Saturday's meeting, and most had supported Gray.
As he spoke to a reporter afterward about his intention to lend greater support to county officials, Gray was wrapped in the embrace of fellow Rep. Reginald Murdock, celebrating the victory. Gray said the GOP has been seeking to grow its ranks by reaching out to Democratic county officials.
"The Republican Party can stop now; we're gonna take care of our own," Gray said.
Reached Saturday, Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb said he looks forward to working with Gray, while continuing to welcome county officials who wish to switch parties.
The atmosphere at the Argenta Community Theater, where Saturday's meeting was held, was jovial. During speeches, there were numerous quips about Washington Republicans' failure Friday to pass their replacement for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
"I'm feeling more enthusiasm for the party," said Harvey Joe Sanner, a state committee member from Prairie County, as he watched the votes unfold from near the coffee pot. "That health care vote in Washington is going to energize some Democrats."
While Sanner declined to reveal his vote for chairman, he said he felt Gray would "bring a little more rural flavor" to the party.
After losing the vote, Garner was nominated from the floor to be put on the ballot for first vice chairman, though she declined. The winner of that race was Nicole Hart of North Little Rock.
Gray said the selection of a new House Democratic leader to replace him would occur after the current legislative session is over in a few weeks. Rep. David Whitaker of Fayetteville said Saturday that he would seek the position.
Metro on 03/26/2017