Return to the main page for 2026 Elections at www.mysaline.com/2026-elections-campaign-announcements.
State Representative Paul Childress has officially declared his candidacy for re-election in District 83, which includes parts of Benton, Bryant, and Hot Springs Village.
Read more of his announcement below.
A devoted public servant and lifelong resident of Saline County, Childress is eager to continue his work in the Arkansas State House following a successful first term.
Raised in Benton, Childress has consistently shown his commitment to the community. After graduating from Benton High School, he furthered his education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Childress dedicated ten years to law enforcement in Saline County, where he was recognized as “Officer of the Year” in 1997 for his outstanding service.
Currently a licensed insurance agent and former owner of Thomas Insurance, Childress has also taken on leadership roles, including board member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas and President of Kiwanis. He is actively involved in his community as the Chairman of Saline County CASA and serves on the Mercy Hospital Child Advocacy Council for Sexually Abused Children.
Childress highlights the significance of economic development in Saline County, stating, “We need more public officials who have held and created jobs. We can’t expect economic growth if the people making decisions lack real-life experience to understand the importance of the policies they impose on us.”
Identifying as a “well-rounded conservative,” Childress proudly advocates for pro-life, pro-gun rights, and fiscal responsibility in the handling of tax dollars.
In his personal life, Childress values time with his family. As he embarks on his re-election campaign, he looks forward to engaging with the constituents of District 83 and continuing his service to the people of Saline County. Additionally, he serves as Committee Chair of the House Public Transportation and Rail Sub-Committee, is appointed to the Boys State Committee by the Speaker, and participates in the aging and legislative affairs, Energy Committee, and Advanced Communications and Technology Committee. He has also been appointed to the National Juvenile Justice Reform Taskforce.
Return to the main page for 2026 Elections at www.mysaline.com/2026-elections-campaign-announcements.