Ben Gilmore Endorsed by Congressman Bruce Westerman

CROSSETT – Today, Republican Ben Gilmore received an endorsement from Congressman Bruce Westerman in his bid for State Senate District 26. Westerman represents Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District in the United States Congress.

“Ben has always worked hard to find the best solution to issues, and it’s the same attitude to serve others and solve problems that will make him successful in the State Senate,” said Westerman. “Just as I was blessed to have Ben on my team, I’m honored to endorse his candidacy as the next Arkansas State Senator for District 26.”

District 26 includes Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Drew, and portions of Cleveland, Desha, and Lincoln Counties.

Gilmore issued the following statement:

“I’m grateful to Congressman Westerman for his public endorsement of my state senate campaign. He cares deeply about the issues facing southeast Arkansas—issues I’ve had the privilege of working on firsthand. In Washington, Congressman Westerman has fought for lower taxes and more fiscal responsibility, boldly worked to reduce regulations, and has been an advocate for forestry, our farmers, and economic development across every sector. I will do the same in Little Rock for the people of District 26 and southeast Arkansas. I will be your conservative voice, and I will always stand up for our shared values—no matter what.”
About Ben Gilmore

Ben Gilmore currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, where he has boldly advocated for state government reform, lower taxes, and STEM education. Ben previously served as a Field Representative for Congressman Bruce Westerman in the Fourth Congressional District, where he worked on important issues facing the forestry and agricultural industries in southeast Arkansas. While attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Ben worked at the Crossett Public Library where he served in the Public Relations role. While at the library, Ben advocated for reading and STEM education. Ben has actively served the community and supported economic development efforts in southeast Arkansas. Ben has served on the Crossett Chamber of Commerce Board, the Crossett Beautification Committee, the Crossett Committee for the Future, Ashley County United Fund Board, and currently serves on the Friends of the Library Board. Ben is a graduate of the Delta Regional Authority’s Leadership Institute, FBI Citizens Academy, and the Union County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class. Ben is a skilled violinist, a member of the First Baptist Church of Crossett and has served as Trustee of the Church. He is also a member of the Crossett Chamber of Commerce and the National Rifle Association (NRA). 

Rep. Hill Announces Central Arkansas Winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman French Hill (AR-02), the co-chair of the Congressional App Challenge,  recognized the central Arkansas winners and participants of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge at a reception held at the Innovation Hub in North Little Rock. In its seventh year, the Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide coding competition for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. 

In Arkansas's Second Congressional district, 16 teams submitted apps for the competition. Participants' submissions were judged by Errin Stanger from the Innovation Hub, Daniel Schutte from the Venture Center, and Thomas Wallace from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Last year, Arkansas was the only state with 100% participation across each of its Congressional districts.

"Each student who participated in this year's Congressional App Challenge should be proud of their hard work and ingenuity," said Congressman French Hill. "Arkansas has made a name for itself as a growing hub for computer science education. I'm proud to continue serving as co-chair of this unique competition that provides a valuable opportunity for our students to take an active role in pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, which represent the future of our state's economy."

First Place:
Anu Iyer, a 9th-grade student at Little Rock Central High School. Her app, "Universal Safety App (USA)", would help drivers become more aware of distracted driving and prevent potential motor vehicle accidents. 

Second Place:David Saavedra, an 11th-grade student from Clinton High School. His app, "Find the Bus", would help school staff to track school buses as they transport children to and from their homes and classrooms. David was the 2018 Congressional App Challenge winner.

Third Place:Alex Prosser, an 11th-grade student from Clinton High School. His app, "Floor It", would use virtual reality to create a realistic driving simulation for students to learn how to drive in a safe environment.

Congressman French Hill (right) pictured with the 2019 Congressional App Challenge winner, Anu Iyer (left), a 9th-grade student from Little Rock Central High School.

Congressman French Hill (left) pictured with the 2019 Congressional App Challenge runner-up, David Saavedra, an 11th-grade student from Clinton High School. David was the 2018 Congressional App Challenge winner.

From left to right: David Saavedra, 2nd place from Clinton High School; Ms. Jennifer Fleming, instructor at Clinton High School; Anu Iyer, Congressional App Challenge winner, from Little Rock Central High School; Ms. Whitnet Bordelon, instructor from Little Rock Central High School; Brianna Lewis from Bryant High School; Congressman French Hill; Zachary Gilbertson, honorable mention from Conway High School; Ms. Kimberly Raup, instructor from Conway High School; Brian Russell from Conway High School.