Democratic gubernatorial candidates

Anthony “Tony” Bland

Age: 43

Residence: Little Rock

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arkansas Baptist College; master of business administration and doctor of business administration from the University of Phoenix; master’s degree of theological studies from Regent University.

Occupation: Career and technical education certified educator/technology specialist with the Little Rock Public School District, small business owner, and martial arts instructor.

Public service experience: Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018; member of the Masonic Lodge, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Phi Beta Lambda (Future Business Leaders of America); volunteer for several groups ranging from the American Red Cross to the Arkansas Food Bank.

Chris Jones

Age: 45

Residence: Little Rock

Education: Bachelor degree in physics and math from Morehouse College; master’s degree in nuclear engineering, master’s degree in technology and policy, and a doctoral degree in urban studies and planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Occupation: Former executive director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub.

Public service experience: Former executive director of Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative; former mayor of Pine Bluff Youth Council; board member at the National Center for Healthy Housing; former board member at the Museum of Discovery and at Arkansas PBS.

Jay Martin

Age: 52

Residence: Little Rock

Education: Bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a law degree from the UALR Bowen

School of Law; master’s degree in leadership and ministry from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Occupation: Attorney, pastor.

Public service experience: State representative from 2003 to 2007; candidate for lieutenant governor in 2006.

James Russell III

Age: 49

Residence: Little Rock

Education: Bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in pre-med biology-political/legal/ethical theory from the University of Central Arkansas.

Occupation: Owner and office manager for New Dawn Counseling.

Public service experience: Worked with the Arkansas State Medical Board & Family Service Agency.

Supha Xayprasith-Mays

Age: 52

Residence: Little Rock

Education: Fort Smith Public Schools.

Occupation: Inclusion Media LL & Inclusion Job. Inc., founder/president; former corporate executive Walmart, Sears & Roebuck; former division director Robert Half International; chief business development/owner for Soul of the South Television Network.

Experience: Multiple philanthropic and volunteer activities for more than 25 years.