Progressive Arkansas Women PAC (PAWPAC) is making waves. To date, we have endorsed 43 candidates for the 2024 elections and are gearing up to support more, with a clear focus on not just the numbers but the impact. With $100,000 pledged in direct support, PAWPAC is widening the arena, pushing for progressive women candidates to take on local Quorum Court seats. It’s a move that underlines our belief: every position, no matter how local, is a battleground for change!
Nine of our endorsed candidates face important elections on March 5. Here’s what you need to know about them—and how you can help!
Vivian Flowers, Candidate for Mayor of Pine Bluff
Vivian Flowers, a five-term state representative and former COO at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Center for Diversity Affairs, announces her candidacy for Pine Bluff mayor. With a notable record of securing over $32 million in flood prevention funds and advocating for local education, Flowers aims to utilize her extensive legislative and community service background to drive progress in Pine Bluff. Facing competition, including the incumbent, in the March 5th primary, she pledges to tackle the city’s challenges with integrity and accountability. A University of Arkansas alumna, Flowers is committed to fostering measurable improvements for her hometown. She has 5 opponents, one being the current mayor of Pine Bluff. The March 5th primary is technically the election date for this race, but it’s very likely there will be a runoff.
Patricia Young, Candidate for JP District 10 in Pulaski County
Young is a social worker and small business owner seeking to represent the heavily minority district 10, which includes Argenta, Dixie, McAlmont and Levy in North Little Rock. Her goals for her district are improved infrastructure, economic development, youth services, public safety and mental health and wellness.
The seat has been open since September 2022, when both primary candidates were disqualified. Young has been attending Quorum Court meetings.
Her opponent is Harlan Hunter. He lists on his Facebook page his candidacy as his occupation.
Kanisher Wooten Caldwell, Candidate for State Representative District 65
Caldwell, of Pine Bluff, has been a nurse practitioner for 23 years, and will address healthcare and other social issues as the successor to state Rep. Vivian Flowers, who is leaving the seat to run for mayor of Pine Bluff.
“Pine Bluff has lost its luster,” Caldwell said, no longer living up to her childhood memories. She said “strategic nurturing” focusing on combating crime and improving schools and the local economy should make things better for her district.
Caldwell’s opponent is Glenn Barnes, a Missionary Baptist minister.
Denise Ennett, Candidate for re-election to State House District 80
Denise Ennett, a dedicated mom, public-education advocate, community activist, and lifelong resident of District 80, seeks re-election as State Representative. With a strong focus on supporting public schools, expanding healthcare access, nurturing neighborhoods, and boosting economic opportunities, Denise is committed to making a difference in the district.
Described as a “homemaker” by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Denise Ennett goes beyond traditional roles, embodying leadership as a black woman, volunteer, and State Representative. Rooted in the community she serves, Denise understands the need for transformative leadership and advocates for meaningful change. With her unwavering dedication and unique perspective as a mother fighting for the future, Denise Ennett seeks the support of District 80 to continue her work at the State Capitol.
Asked why she’s running: “To improve my community and be a voice for the very diverse citizens of my district. We need more Democrats willing to stand up and fight this administration and their attacks on women’s rights, adequate public school funding, and their endless push to kick people out of healthcare coverage.”
Her opponent is Roosevelte Williams.
Joy Springer, running for re-election to Arkansas State Representative District 76
Springer’s platform centers around continuing the legacy of the late, great civil rights attorney and State Representative John W. Walker, Sr. who believed and promoted the Constitution of the United States wherein every citizen be afforded the opportunity to live in a society that promotes prosperity, liberty and justice for all. He also believed that “education” was key in promoting the constitutional rights of citizens in District 76. Springer has adopted those beliefs as well.
Prior to Representative Walker’s death, he asked Springer to continue the fight for the constitutional rights of not only the residents of District 76, but in other parts of the community as well. Springer has accepted his challenge! Having worked along-side Walker for more than 25 years, she is committed to the great legacy that Mr. Walker has left behind.
Springer has worked tirelessly the majority of her life in helping to serve the children and families, not only District 76, but in Pulaski County and across the state of Arkansas. She will continue to be the voice for residents, not only in District 76, but across Pulaski County and the State.
Springer is committed to continuing the legacy of her mentor, Representative Walker. In doing so, she will insist: 1) that no new legislation negatively impact the citizens of District 76 and other citizens in the state similarly situated; 2) upon new legislation promoting economic development be equitably distributed throughout the district and the state; 3) upon maintaining our public school system in the State, particularly in Pulaski County, Arkansas; 4) upon continued funding of public education in an equitable manner across the state of Arkansas and 5) all employees of the State be equally treated and respected; and that due process procedures are followed.
Her opponents are Ryan Davis and Kia Sprinkle Wilson.
Brooke-Augusta Ware, Candidate for Pulaski County Circuit Court Division 17
Brooke-Augusta Ware is a candidate for Pulaski County Circuit Court Division 17. Brooke has extensive, relevant experience as a practicing family law attorney and a law clerk for two circuit judges. She knows how the Pulaski County circuit court works, she knows the law, she already has good relationships with the people who will be her co-workers, and she knows the community she will be serving. Brooke has long been active in her community and in her daughter’s school. She also has lent her legal skills to the ACLU in the fight for a woman’s right to choose. A graduate of Hendrix College and UALR School of Law, she is married and has a 7-year-old daughter.
Kellee Mitchell Farris, Candidate for State Representative District 62
Dr. Kellee Mitchell Farris has been on the staff at Lee County Cooperative Clinic since 2010. However, her time at LCCC dates back to her childhood.
Her father, Dr. L.C. Mitchell, moved his family to Marianna in 1976 to be the Dentist at the Clinic. So, Dr. Farris has strong ties not only to the community, but to the Clinic. She has over 25 years of experience in healthcare and holds a Ph.D. in Public Health. She also has Master Certificates from Johns Hopkins University in Healthcare Data Analytics and in Population Health.
Kellee, a teenage mother, became the inaugural recipient of the Lee County Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship. Despite the challenges associated with being a single parent, she persisted and earned her higher education credentials.
Dr. Farris has helped lead the way in the Clinic’s recent groundbreaking of a new 20,000 square foot facility, set to open in Spring 2024. This facility is more than double the size of the current facility and will be the focal point for what Dr. Farris calls the “Lee County Cooperative Clinic Campus.”
Dr. Farris has developed a plan for the 16-acre campus to include a women’s health clinic, pediatric clinic, a program offering clinical rotations for medical students, and housing a wellness/fitness center. Dr. Farris wants to ensure that the community has direct access to quality primary and specialty care without having to travel outside of Eastern Arkansas.
Dr. Farris was named the 2019 Community Leader of the Year by the School of Religious Studies, the 2020 Jack Geiger Vision Award recipient by the Community Health Centers of Arkansas, and in 2022 was named one of 5 finalists for the Best CEO by the Arkansas Times.
In 2023 the Rural Community Alliance named her the 2023 Champion of Rural Arkansas Health Advocate Awarded and named Lee County Cooperative Clinic the Health Anchor Award. In 2020, Dr. Farris was appointed to the National Association of Community Health Centers Quality Improvement Advisory Board.
Being a native of Marianna aids in Dr. Farris being able to work with the culturally diverse population. She is a volunteer for the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, a member of Rotary, a lifetime member of the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus, Mid-Delta Community Services Board of Directors, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is a youth mentor, and volunteers for countless other community projects. Dr. Farris has two children, Lawton (13) and Klein (28).
Sherry Holliman, Candidate for State House District 35
Sherry Holliman, a determined and passionate leader, is currently a Candidate for State House District 35. Growing up as the first-born child in a single-parent household, Sherry learned the value of education and hard work early on. Overcoming obstacles as a high school dropout and single teenage mother, she pursued her education relentlessly, earning multiple degrees including a Master of Art in Political Science and a Bachelors of Science in Finance. Sherry’s advocacy for the disadvantaged led her to found the non-profit organization Different Directions Reforms, empowering marginalized communities to rebuild their lives. As a Councilwoman and Certified Mediator, Sherry has dedicated herself to serving others, earning recognition for her outstanding community service and leadership. With a strong commitment to diversity and empowerment, Sherry continues to break barriers and make a difference in her community through her fearless belief in equality and justice for all.
Stephanie Funk, Candidate for Arkansas State House District 15
Stephanie Funk is a well-known Northwest Arkansas community member, bringing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm as an entrepreneur, investor, startup founder and businesswoman.
Funk’s expertise spans from marketing and business development to customer experience optimization and digital strategy. Her entrepreneurial success includes the creation of Acorn: The Influence Company, which connects bloggers and digital influencers to companies. Additionally, Funk founded the companies Evolved Mommy and Funk + Co. She is currently a top-producing luxury realtor at Engel & Völkers. Before her current position, she was Vice President of Strategy and Engagement for Metova, Inc.
Funk has strong roots in the Bentonville community, having lived in northwest Arkansas for more than a decade, where she has raised a family, founded several companies, and established strong connections within the community. She also donates time to various Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas organizations, where she brings awareness to entrepreneurship and invests in helping women succeed.
Funk’s leadership in entrepreneurial success has landed her with recognitions such as the Stevie Awards Bronze Startup of The Year Award, Stevie Awards Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and nominees as Bentonville’s Entrepreneur and Female Entrepreneur of the Year, among others.
She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations. Funk has been named to Arkansas Business’ Forty Under Forty List and is a Bentonville Entrepreneur and Female Entrepreneur of the Year nominee.
Make a plan to vote!
Early voting is often easier and quicker than voting on Election Day — and it’s already underway.
You can vote early until March 4. Polls are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Note that polls close at 5PM on Monday, March 4.
On Election Day, Tuesday, March 5, polls will be open from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Remember, if you are in line when the polls close, stay in line until you’ve voted!
Every vote counts, so make sure your voice is heard! And don’t forget to ask friends and family to vote, too!
Imagine the Possibilities!
Imagine a future where Arkansas thrives under the leadership of progressive women — champions of reproductive, economic, social, and environmental justice. We're not just hoping for it; we're making it happen.
Campaigns need money to win, and that's what we do. By raising funds, we're not just donating; we're igniting a wave of change. We discover, mentor, and financially empower Arkansas women who dare to lead. This year is pivotal. A fleet of progressive women are stepping up, ready to steer our state towards a brighter horizon. Your contribution, whether one-time or recurring, is more than a donation — it's a catalyst for transformation.
Together, We Can Do It!
Prefer to send a check? We love mail! Send it to 904 W. 2nd St., Ste. 2, Little Rock, AR 72201
The Legalese: PAWPAC is an Arkansas political action committee and donations are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions. Contributions to PAWPAC by an individual, business, or PAC are limited to $10,000 in a calendar year. Contributions must be reported with name, address, employer, and occupation. PAWPAC does not support candidates for federal offices.