Pulaski County voters elected Democrat Terri Hollingsworth circuit/county clerk, giving her about 30,000 more votes than her opponent, Republican Steve Walden.
Unofficial results were:
Hollingsworth 80,914
Walden 50,970
“Well this is a victory for the people of Pulaski County,” Hollingsworth said.
After she takes office, Hollingsworth plans to make voter registration her top priority. She wants to increase the office’s involvement in the community and work with nonprofits to help ex-felons gain back their voting rights, she said.
“Elections matter,” Hollingsworth said.
Hollingsworth said the people of Pulaski County made their voices heard through their votes. She plans to hold to her campaign promises of updating county records and technology.
She said she will make the clerk’s office a more inviting place for the public.
“Something as simple as making sure we all answer the phone the same way,” Hollingsworth said.
At Hollingsworth’s watch party, lights flashed blue, and the DJ spun cheerful music in the background. Hollingsworth’s cousin, Ricky Mays, said she will take the position to the next level. Her supporters touted Hollingsworth’s experience, labeling her capable for the job.
“We’re excited that she decided to take the challenge,” said Dianne Curry, who attended the party.
Edmonda Bailey, who was at the party, agreed, stating that Hollingsworth is a hard worker.
Hollingsworth has held a variety of management positions, including chief administrative officer for the Delta Regional Authority. She worked in the secretary of state’s office and served as a director of the state Board of Election Commissioners. She ran for a state representative position in 2010 and lost in a runoff.
[2018 ELECTION: Full Democrat-Gazette coverage of Arkansas races]
Hollingsworth attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., but has spent most of her life in Little Rock.
“Born and raised right here in Little Rock, Ark.,” Hollingsworth said. “It’s a great place.”
Hollingsworth’s work in the community includes service as PTA president at Little Rock Central High School, where her 16-year-old son is a student, she said.
“I think she’s very situated to do a great job for all of Pulaski County,” said state Sen. Will Bond, D-Little Rock.
Her opponent, Walden, lives in Sherwood and has been in the area for 45 years. He also ran for the position in 2010.
Pulaski County has a combined circuit and county clerk position. The circuit/county clerk manages records for the county such as marriage licenses, voter registration and real-estate filings.