Incumbent Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) has won his primary against challenger state Sen. Clint Penzo during the March 5 primary contest in Arkansas.
The lawmaker released a press release that was sent to The Epoch Times where he said, “It is the honor of my life to have the continued confidence of Third District GOP voters to be our nominee for Congress in November.
“I work every day to deliver for our nation. Working to secure our border, supporting our men and women in uniform, and promoting the conservative values that made our nation the greatest in the world continues to be among my highest priorities.”
Mr. Womack made his agenda for the next term clear, saying, “I look forward to the General Election and the opportunity to lead the fight against the Biden agenda and restoring the values that define our great nation.”
Mr. Womack sought re-election months after dispelling rumors that he was contemplating retirement. His opponent, a state lawmaker, is attempting to portray him as not sufficiently conservative for the district in northwest Arkansas.
In the primary for the 3rd Congressional District, Mr. Womack held several advantages.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is among those who support Mr. Womack, who also has the backing of National Right to Life and other conservative organizations.
In terms of campaign finance, the seven-term congressman has surpassed Mr. Penzo, amassing nearly $2 million for his reelection campaign.
Mr. Womack must now contend with Caitlin Draper, a Democrat, in the November election.
When he told The Washington Post last summer that he had not yet decided whether to seek reelection and expressed his frustration with the dysfunction in Congress, Mr. Womack fueled rumors that he would not run. After the interview was made public, Mr. Womack declared his intention to run for re-election.
Mr. Womack received almost 63 percent of the vote in 2022, ensuring his reelection in the overwhelmingly Republican district. The four U.S. House seats in the state are all held by Republicans. Only Mr. Womack was facing a contender during this election cycle.
Mr. Penzo has been a member of the Arkansas Senate since 2023, after having served two terms in the state house before that. His concern with Mr. Womack stems from his competitor’s opposition to Rep. Jim Jordan’s (R-Ohio) failed attempt to succeed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
After encountering resistance from conservatives within the GOP, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) decided to withdraw his attempt, and Mr. Womack cast his vote in support of Mr. Scalise. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was elected speaker with Mr. Womack’s support.
