Democratic State Sen. Fred Love announces for Arkansas governor

State Sen. Fred Love, D-Little Rock, announced Monday (June 23) that he will launch a campaign for Arkansas governor. Love is term-limited and cannot run for legislative reelection.

“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 in an early Monday morning email. “I’m running for governor because I believe Arkansas works best when it works for all of us.”

Love is the second Democrat to announce for the office of governor for the 2026 election cycle. Democrat Gary Huskey has also announced. If both men file for office, they will be vying to face incumbent Republican Gov. Sarah Sanders.

Love said he has a plan for “real economic opportunity in every corner” of the state. His plan includes:

• 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 HBCUs, 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 website is www.fredloveforarkansas.com.

Love served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2023. He was elected to the Arkansas State Senate in 2022 and served as the Minority Whip in the 2025 regular session.

In the Senate, he is the chair of the Senate Public Health Human Services subcommittee and vice chairman of the Joint Public Retirement and Social Security Programs committee.

Love earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has also earned a post-baccalaureate certificate in public health from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and attended the Harvard Kennedy School for Senior Executives in State and Local Government, according to his Senate biography.

He and his wife, ShaRhonda, have two children. ShaRhonda Love announced earlier this month that she will seek in 2026 the State Senate seat currently held by her husband.