Arkansas State Senator Fredrick J. Love (D-Little Rock) officially announced his candidacy for Governor on Monday, June 23, 2025.
In a news release, Love described his campaign as a bold one “centered on protecting public schools, empowering communities, and driving inclusive economic growth across the state—especially in rural and underserved areas.”
Love will challenge Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the 2026 election, and is to date the first challenger to vie for the governor’s seat, according to the Arkansas Times.
“We can either stay on the path that sidelines our kids, weakens our schools, and silences our towns—or we can choose a future that values every student, every community, and every small business owner,” said Love. “I’m running for Governor because I believe Arkansas works best when it works for all of us.”
Love is a term-limited state lawmaker, having served in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
Love’s campaign is also centered around his Place-Based Economic Development Plan, which calls for “sustainable growth in rural and urban communities by investing in local assets and entrepreneurs.” Key pillars of the plan include establishing regional economic development hubs tailored to local industries and workforce needs; expanding access to startup capital, infrastructure, and grants for small businesses; partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, community colleges, and high schools to align education with job creation; and investing in broadband, water, and utility infrastructure to make every community business-ready.
“We must stop measuring progress only by what happens in a few cities,” Love said. “Prosperity should be visible in our Delta towns, our Ozark communities, and our Main Streets—not just in spreadsheets.”
Love’s wife, ShaRhonda, is reportedly among three candidates running for the Senate seat Love will be vacating once his term comes to a close in January 2027.
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