Joyce Elliott | AR-02

Joyce Elliott is running for retiring Congressman Vic Snyder’s seat in Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District.

Elliott serves on the board of the WAND Education Fund and she is a longtime member of the Women Legislators’ Lobby (WiLL), a program of WAND. As an Arkansas state representative from 2001-2006 and a current state Senator, Elliott has shown herself to be a tireless progressive champion. Once called the “scrappiest” of all of Arkansas’ legislators, Elliott stands up for her district with integrity. Elliott has been a trailblazer since her childhood, when her family was one of four African-American families to begin integrating all-white schools in her hometown. She began teaching high school in 1973 and, as a legislator, she has been a staunch advocate for education. During her time in the Arkansas legislature, she racked up many awards for her legislative service, and we know she will do a phenomenal job in Congress!

WAND distinguishing points: Joyce states that one of her priorities will be “security of our homeland, especially focusing on policy complementary to military force. We need to deliberately concentrate on ramping up our diplomatic corps by recruiting students to consider diplomatic service as well as military service.”

The seat: The district is in the middle of the state and includes Little Rock, its suburbs, and the surrounding area. Both of her opponents in the Democratic primary are men with powerful fundraising machines. Two Republicans are competing for their party’s nomination. Tim Griffin was a top aide to Karl Rove. In 2007 Griffin was involved in the US Attorney firings scandal. The other candidate, Scott Wallace, is raising less money, but emphasizes his deep roots in the community.

Women like Joyce are the reason WAND is committed to empowering women to run for office. Let's make sure this rising star receives as much support as the men in her race.

Post Election Update: Joyce Elliott lost her race.