From the Senate to the Attorney General’s Office, Gilmore’s exit opens District 1 seat

LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — A seat in the Arkansas Senate is opening up, but political observers say the bigger story may be what the move signals about the state’s political future.

State Sen. Ben Gilmore announced he is resigning from the Arkansas Senate to become a senior advisor in Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office. His new role begins July 1.

While the move marks the end of Gilmore’s time in the Legislature, some political analysts believe it also represents a strategic shift inside Arkansas politics.

“It’s a major pickup for the attorney general,” political analyst Bill Vickery said.

Vickery described Gilmore as one of the Legislature’s most respected conservative leaders.

“Gilmore is a very experienced and well-respected political mind. He is a breadth of institutional knowledge and understanding of conservative policy. I liken it to the AG’s office getting a five-star through the transfer portal.”

For Vickery, the hiring carries significance beyond staffing.

“The attorney general has not been shy about talking about being governor of Arkansas one day,” he said. “When you add someone the caliber of Ben Gilmore to your staff, you’re clearly sending a signal that Tim Griffin is going to be a very formidable person when the next governor’s race comes open.”

Gilmore’s departure also leaves a leadership void inside the Arkansas Senate.

Vickery called the resignation “a big loss” for the chamber, pointing to Gilmore’s role as chair of the Arkansas Legislative Council—one of the Legislature’s most influential positions.

“It’s a big loss for the Arkansas State Senate,” Vickery said. “He’s a leader in the state Senate, serves as chair of the Legislative Council, a very powerful position.”

Gilmore was serving a term that was set to run through January 2029. His resignation triggers a special election in Senate District 1, which includes Ashley, Bradley, Chicot and Cleveland counties, along with portions of Drew, Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln counties.

One candidate has already begun campaigning.

Missy Wardlaw said she plans to spend the coming weeks meeting voters across the district.

“They should expect me to be knocking on doors and shaking hands with every person that I can,” Wardlaw said. “The district, of course, is a lot larger than what I’m used to working with, but I plan on just starting now and hitting the ground running.”

The Governor’s Office has not announced when the special election will be held. When asked about the timeline, a spokesperson said there was no comment.

In a statement announcing the hire, Attorney General Tim Griffin praised Gilmore’s experience, saying, “Ben’s extensive experience dealing with numerous public policy issues at the state and federal level gives him unique insight and will be a force multiplier for the office.”

Gilmore officially begins his new position on July 1.