State Representative Tippi McCullough Re-Elected Minority Leader
LITTLE ROCK – The Democratic House Caucus held its biennial leadership elections on Thursday at the Democratic Party of Arkansas headquarters. The Democratic Caucus re-elected state Representative Tippi McCullough (Little Rock) as their Minority Leader – she is the first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold the position.
“I’m honored to serve my colleagues in the State House as their Minority Leader,” said Rep. McCullough. “Our Democratic state representatives are effective and strong public servants working for a better Arkansas for all our families, students, and workers. I look forward to building on the success of my first term as Minority Leader and to growing our membership in November.”
The members of the Democratic House Caucus also elected state Representative Vivian Flowers (Pine Bluff) as Whip, state Representative David Whitaker (Fayetteville) as Secretary, and state Representative Kenneth Ferguson (Pine Bluff) as Treasurer. The new leadership will hold their positions for two years.
“Democrats should have full confidence in this leadership team,” said Democratic Party of Arkansas Chair Grant Tennille. “Representatives McCullough, Flowers, Whitaker, and Ferguson are ready to work for a better Arkansas. We are the party who puts economic development, quality of life, and strong families first. We are the party who puts our country first. I’m excited about the good work to come as we build a healthier, safer, fairer, and brighter Arkansas.”
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About Tippi McCullough
Rep. Tippi McCullough is a lifelong Arkansan. She dedicated thirty-three years of her life to educating and coaching young people at high schools in Kingston, Newport, Mountain Pine, Mount St. Mary Academy, and Little Rock Central. She is currently serving her second term in the Arkansas General Assembly and was elected Minority Leader in August 2020. She also serves on the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House City, County & Local Affairs Committee. For nearly 22 years, Tippi and her wife, Barbara Mariani, a 6th Judicial District prosecutor, have made their home in the new District 74 in Little Rock.
About Vivian Flowers
Rep. Vivian Flowers is serving her fourth term in the Arkansas House. She represents District 17 which includes a portion of Jefferson County. For the 93rd General Assembly, Rep. Flowers serves on the Joint Committee for Advanced Communications and Information Technology, the Joint Budget Committee, House Insurance and Commerce Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Flowers earned a degree in Political Science and Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the Clinton School of Public Service. She currently resides in Pine Bluff.
About David Whitaker
Rep. David Whitaker is serving his fifth term in the Arkansas House. He represents District 85 which includes a portion of Washington County. For the 93rd General Assembly, Rep. Whitaker serves on the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology, the Arkansas Legislative Council, the House Public Transportation Committee, and the House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee. He served as Staff Sergeant for the United States Air Force. Rep. Whitaker has two daughters. He resides in Fayetteville with his wife, Lisa.
About Kenneth Ferguson
Rep. Kenneth Ferguson is serving his fourth term in the Arkansas House. He represents District 16 which includes portions of Jefferson and Lincoln counties. For the 93rd General Assembly, Rep. Ferguson serves on the Joint Budget Committee, the House Rules Committee, House Insurance and Commerce Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee. He also serves on the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee, Arkansas Legislative Council, and Joint Performance Review. He is the father of four and lives in Pine Bluff with his wife, Cassandra.