Arkansas Rep. Clarke Tucker said Monday that he will run for U.S. Congress in the state’s 2nd Congressional District.
"We need a Representative who will stand up for Arkansas families, not the D.C. establishment, and who will work hard to reach across the aisle to find common ground and get things done," Tucker, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Tucker, a Little Rock native, graduated from Harvard University in 2003 and earned a law degree in 2006 at the University of Arkansas. Over the past decade, he has worked as an attorney and legislator.
Paul Spencer of Scott and Gwendolynn Combs of Little Rock previously announced they also are seeking the Democratic nomination. Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. French Hill is running for re-election.
Combs on Monday criticized Tucker, the son of a real estate developer, as having a background too similar to Hill, a former banking executive.
"Voters are looking at the 2018 midterms as an opportunity to elect candidates who understand what it's like to be an Arkansan who doesn't come from money or privilege," she said in a statement. "I am a candidate of the people, for the people."
Tucker responded that his background was "working across the aisle in the Arkansas Legislature to get things done for all Arkansans."
"I believe the people of Central Arkansas will welcome a chance to once again have an independent voice in Congress for the families of this district," he said.
Spencer said he welcomed Tucker to the race.
"The Democratic Party has always fostered multiple points of view, and we believe Arkansans will be well-served by the strong and differing policy positions we represent," he said in a statement.
Hill reported having more than $1.3 million in the bank for his re-election bid last month. Spencer reported having $128,000, while Combs had more than $10,000.
Hill was first elected to the seat in 2014 and is seeking a third term. Republicans, who control all of Arkansas' statewide and congressional offices, have held the 2nd District seat since 2011. But Tucker said he believed Democrats can win the seat back.
"I think people respond to someone who makes sure they prioritize the people of Arkansas and the state over allegiance to a political party," Tucker, 37, told The Associated Press. "I think the people will respond to that and I think they'll vote for a candidate like that, whether they're a Democrat or a Republican."
Tucker currently represents District 35 in the state House of Representatives. That includes portions of Pulaski County.
According to his legislative biography, Tucker is married with two children.
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
Arkansas Online reporter Brandon Riddle and The Associated Press contributed to this report.