A Democratic candidate will be making a challenge for the Third District Congressional seat in Arkansas.
Lauren Mallett-Hays has announced her intent to run against incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, a Republican, in the 2022 election.
A Farmington resident, Mallett-Hays is a speech-language pathologist, specializing in traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurocognitive disorders, and head and neck cancer at Washington Regional Medical Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas.
On her campaign website, Mallett-Hays listed her priorities as health care, education, and jobs and economic growth. “I believe access to quality, affordable healthcare is a basic right as an American. However, our current system is not what I would classify as affordable, and it’s not working when people—even those with health insurance— delay necessary medical treatment because deductibles are too high, they have no options for co-pays, or they have a pre-existing condition,” she wrote.
Mallett-Hays called for more money in schools with increased investment in public schools. She also said she supports increasing the federal minimum wage and increasing training for high-skill jobs.
“This last year and a half has given me a small glimpse into their reality as it has become abundantly clear that the voice of the American people is being ignored,” she said in a statement.”
“In Congress, I’ll not only be a voice for Northwest Arkansas, I’ll make sure Arkansans have a voice in Washington because I’ll listen to you. Together we can ensure our community continues to be a place we’re proud to call home—a growing, thriving community with good schools and good jobs that keep our families close.”
Womack has served as the U.S. Representative for Arkansas’ Third District since 2011, succeeding current U.S. Senator John Boozman. In the 2020 election, Womack was reelected to office with 64.3 percent of the vote, the lowest margin he has received since being elected to the office. His current term expires Jan. 3, 2023.
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