Democrats have eye on Benton County

ROGERS — Benton County has reached a pivotal time when it could “ease back into being a blue county again,” controlled by Democrats and supporting Democratic statewide candidates, House District 14 candidate Joshua Hagan of Centerton told the Benton County Republican Committee on Thursday.

“Democrats haven’t given up on Benton County,” Hagan told the crowd of at least 150 attending the committee’s monthly meeting, which included a candidate forum. The Democrats “are playing the long game” as the county becomes more urban, he said. Republicans must be wary of becoming complacent and should choose the best-qualified candidates to serve county residents, he said.

Hagan is running in the Republican primary on March 5 against Nick Burkes, an accountant. Burkes was unable to attend, according to an announcement at the meeting. The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. at New Hope Assembly of God in Rogers. Hagan, 42, contrasted his experience as a business owner from Centerton, a pastor and family man with his 23-year-old opponent who recently moved into the district. The primary’s winner will face Democrat Jacob Malloy in November.

Early voting in the primary begins Feb. 20.

State Sen. Clint Penzo, R-Springdale, said he entered the U.S. House of Representatives 3rd Congressional District race against incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Womack because he kept hearing from constituents that Womack would not listen to them. His final decision to challenge Womack came after the Washington County Republican Committee adopted a resolution supporting the election of Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as House speaker. That resolution implored Womack to help end the turmoil after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was removed from the speakership. Womack voted against Jordan.

Womack was unable to attend the forum, a spokesperson for his campaign said.

The winner of the primary between Penzo and Womack will face Democrat Caitlin Draper of Fayetteville in November.