A dark horse emerges to lead the state Senate

Neither Arkansas LEARNS Act sponsor Breanne Davis of Russellville, nor Ron Caldwell, the fellow Republican Sanders tried mightily but unsuccessfully to primary out of office over disagreements on the Franklin County prison boondoggle, claimed the crown Thursday as Arkansas state senators chose a leader for the 2027 session.

Senators ultimately chose Republican Joshua Bryant of Rogers to take the gavel. He replaces Republican Sen. Bart Hester of Cave Springs, who remains a state senator but leaves the leadership position.

Arkansas Times Forever Editor Max Brantley watched the show, and posted his take on social media. We stole it and are sharing it here for your convenience.

UPDATE: I originally wrote about expected contest for Senate president pro tem. Given the expected choice, I favored Ron Caldwell over Breanne Davis, a henchwoman for Queen Sarah. Rumors were that she might pick up Democratic support in hopes it would translate into a few favors from the governor. That meant trading immense power for tokens while shorting of Medicaid and food stamps, corporate welfare, public school-killing vouchers and more tax cuts for the rich remained her primary agenda (after her book tour/presidential exploratory outing). Caldwell stood tall on the prison boondoggle and defeated Sarah’s dark money in an election challenge. Reason enough to oppose Davis.

UPDATE: after a round of inconclusive votes an alternative candidate emerged. From 40/29 TV:

Arkansas state senators selected Sen. Joshua Bryant of Rogers as President pro tempore designee for the 96th General Assembly during the Senate’s organizational meeting.

The selection came after multiple votes. When no candidate [Caldwell or Davis]received the 18 votes needed, Sen. Tyler Dees moved to end the current nominations and reopen nominations. Sen. Scott Flippo then nominated Bryant, and Sen. Ron Caldwell moved to close nominations. Senators approved the motion, and Bryant was named the designee.

Bryant thanked senators for their trust and said he would work to ensure each member’s voice is heard and debate is fair and equitable.

“My door will be open and I will be available anytime you need me,” Bryant said.

He said he cares deeply about the Senate and Arkansas and believes the chamber can unite despite past divisions. He also said he hopes to work with the House and the governor’s office to advance policy.

So who is this new leader in the state Senate?

Bryant’s demeanor is far from that of the rabidly Zionist, homeschool-championing, Christian nationalist culture warrior he’ll be replacing. Still, his conservative bona fides are not in question. A former marine, Bryant’s campaigns have been endorsed by Arkansas Right to Life, the National Rifle Association and Senator Tom Cotton.

A friend to big business, Bryant was a key player in crafting some controversial regulations/non-regulations friendly to the crypto industry.

Your new Senate president pro tempore is on record as being pro-choice, but only when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He showed fealty to Gov. Sarah Sanders in 2023 by sponsoring a bill to prevent vaccine mandates. “Gov. Sanders was very clear that we do not want [vaccine mandates] across our state,” Bryant said at the time. “She’s been very proactive to allow choice when it comes to vaccine mandates.”

Perhaps the coolest thing about Bryant is that in 2023, he tried to get his fellow state lawmakers to refer to voters a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana. Seriously.