Hutchinson changes mind, not seeking re-election to Senate

State Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, has changed his mind and isn’t seeking re-election next year to his Senate District 33 seat, the lawmaker confirmed Friday.

Melissa Fults, a Democrat from East End who last year sponsored a different medical marijuana ballot issue than the one that passed, said earlier this week she is seeking the seat and that Hutchinson told her that he wouldn’t be running.

Last October, state Rep. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, announced his bid for Senate District 33 in 2018. At that time, Hutchinson said he planned to seek re-election. Senate District 33 includes parts of Saline and Pulaski counties.

In a brief interview Friday at his law firm, Hutchinson noted that he got married last month.

“I just don’t have the fire in my belly to spend nine months campaigning,” he said. “I’ve got a law practice that I can’t afford to spend the time doing that [campaigning], and I don’t want to do that with a new wife.”

Hutchinson is a member of the Steel, Wright, Gray & Hutchinson law firm in Little Rock, where he works with former Reps. Nate Steel, D-Nashville, and Marshall Wright, D-Forrest City, and others, according to the firm’s website.

Hutchinson, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has served in the Senate since 2011. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson is his uncle. Senate Republican leader Jim Hendren of Sulphur Springs is Sen. Hutchinson’s cousin.

Sen. Hutchinson was in the House of Representatives from March 2000 through 2006.

For the 2018 election, the filing period for state and federal offices will be Feb. 22-March 1. The primary will be May 22 and the general election will be Nov. 6.

The last campaign finance report that Sen. Hutchinson filed for the 2018 election was on Feb. 3 when he reported total campaign contributions of $33,585 and total expenses of $4,800, leaving $28,785 in the bank as of Dec. 31.

Through June 30, Hammer reported total campaign contributions of $21,223.96, interest earnings of $3.34 and total expenses of $5,216.47, leaving $16,010.83 in the bank. Hammer has served in the House since 2011 and represents House District 28 that includes Benton and central Saline County.

Asked about Hutchinson’s decision not to seek re-election, Hammer said Friday, “I wish him the best at whatever he chooses to do and appreciate the service to the district that he has served.”