SPRINGDALE – Attorney Lisa Parks of Tontitown announced in the special election for State 7 Senate District on Monday as the first Democrat to do so.

Nominations for the seat vacated on October 28 by Lance Eads began on Monday. Eads resigned to take lobbying work, requiring a special election to fill the post. The party’s primaries are on December 14. The special election is February 8. Three Republicans announced it Monday morning.

“The communities in District 7 are so special and they deserve an advocate who will put our children and grandchildren above all other interests,” Parks said. She specializes in child welfare in her legal practice, according to her ad.

“The last thing we need is another establishment politician who prioritizes tax cuts for rich and partisan distractions over common sense progress,” Parks said in his statement. announcement.

Parks worked for over 17 years as a public defender in Benton and Washington counties. She received her law degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville after earning a commerce degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, in her hometown, and also earned an associate’s degree at Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia. She and her family have lived in Northwest Arkansas since 1994.

“It’s clearer than ever that constituents in District 7 need an attorney in Little Rock, someone who will speak the truth to power and stand up for affordable housing and health care, child care that isn’t. not out of reach and public investment in our future, ”the Parks announcement said.

Parks appeared unsuccessfully in 2014 against 4th District Circuit Judge Stacey Zimmerman, who oversees juvenile cases.

The 7th District includes Springdale as well as the eastern part of Washington County, including Elkins and Goshen.

State Senators serve a four-year term and receive a base salary of $ 42,428. They also receive daily allowances and reimbursement of their expenses.