Arkansas’s Largest County Chooses Progress
Pulaski County Circuit Clerk Terri Hollingsworth was sworn in on New Years Day. Her election as the first African-American female to be elected county-wide in Pulaski County shattered a glass ceiling.
The longtime Democrat has held numerous positions across the county and state government, including director of the state Board of Election Commissioners. Hollingsworth also has been named in Arkansas Business’ 40 Under 40.
Hollingsworth began her remarks through tears, thanking her family and the community.
“At an early age, my parents instilled in me that public service provides an opportunity to do meaningful work,” she said. “I thank the citizens of Pulaski County for this chance to do good.”
She said she planned to emphasize integrity and transparency while in office. She outlined an agenda that included restoring voting rights for convicted felons, upgrading voting equipment, increasing voter education, and providing internships and youth employment programs.
Hollingsworth, a Democrat, defeated Republican Steve Walden in November.
In a news release, state Democratic Party Chairman Michael John Gray called Hollingsworth and newly-elected Pulaski County Sheriff Eric Higgins “inspirational leaders.”
“These are victories not just for our largest county and capital city, but for the entire state. Their leadership is setting an example we can all celebrate,” Gray said.