Rep. Dolly Henley announces re-election bid for Arkansas House District 88

WASHINGTON, AR — State Representative Dolly Henley has officially filed for re-election to the Arkansas House of Representatives, District 88, which includes all of Hempstead County and parts of Miller and Howard counties.

Rep. Henley was first elected in November 2024 and has spent her time in office advancing the values that matter most to her constituents: faith, family, fiscal responsibility, and freedom. Her decision to seek a second term is rooted in the commitments she made to the people of Southwest Arkansas.

“When I first ran for this seat, I promised to support our teachers, students, and public schools, work to bring jobs and industry to Southwest Arkansas, and be a strong advocate for our communities and the citizens of our area,” said Henley. “I am proud of the work I’ve accomplished during my first session and look forward to meeting with voters to discuss my record ahead of the upcoming Republican Primary.”

Addressing her primary opponent, Rep. Henley added, “While I don’t know my opponent personally, his recent campaigns include running as a Libertarian in 2024 and as an Independent in 2020 before choosing to run now as a Republican. I look forward to a debate and a campaign focused on the issues that matter most to our area.”

During her first term, Rep. Henley served on the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee and the House Aging, Children, Youth, and Legislative Affairs Committee. Her legislative priorities have centered on strengthening education, improving access to health care, expanding workforce opportunities, and supporting the agriculture-driven economy of Southwest Arkansas.

Henley co-sponsored several major bills now signed into law, including:
Act 123 – Ensures all public school students receive one free breakfast each school day, promoting student well-being and academic success.
Act 330 – Increases the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $500 to $600, providing meaningful tax relief to Arkansas homeowners.
Act 1012 – Establishes sales and use tax exemptions for lithium resource development, supporting job creation and economic growth in Arkansas’s emerging energy sector.
Act 366 – Strengthens penalties for human trafficking offenses involving recruitment from shelters, foster homes, or correctional facilities, better protecting vulnerable Arkansans.

“When I first ran, I promised to put Southwest Arkansas first—and that’s exactly what I’ve done,” said Henley. “As long as I have the privilege to serve, I’ll keep showing up, listening to the people I represent, and working hard to make Southwest Arkansas even stronger.”

Before entering the Legislature, Henley served as Recreation Director for the City of Hope, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Nashville, and Executive Director of Hempstead Hall at the University of Arkansas Hope–Texarkana.
Her community leadership includes service on the Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Board, Arkansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Hope Rotary Club, University of Arkansas Hope–Texarkana Foundation, and the Texarkana Symphony Board.

She lives in Washington, Arkansas, with her husband, Paul. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.

For more information, visit www.dollyhenley.com