Protecting Democracy

Preserving What We Share

One of my earliest memories is going with my mom to vote. Back then, voting booths had these big, heavy curtains. I remember stepping in beside her and helping pull that big, ugly curtain closed behind us. It felt like we were entering a secret space where something important was about to happen.

I didn’t know the names on the ballot. I didn’t understand the issues. But I knew it mattered. My mom was doing something serious. Something good. Something that connected us to our community and our country.

That’s what voting should feel like.

I’m running for Congress because I believe protecting our democracy is not just a political goal—it’s a matter of faith. Voting is how we take care of each other. It’s how we shape the future together. And it only works if everyone has a real chance to be heard.

But right now, too many people are being shut out on purpose. Some politicians are trying to make voting harder. They draw unfair district maps that lock in their power. And they spread lies about our elections just because they didn’t like the results.

That’s not democracy. That’s not faith. And it’s not what Arkansas deserves.

In our state, voting can still be confusing and complicated. Lines are long. Rules are strict. Maps are drawn behind closed doors. And regular people are the ones who lose out.

Here’s what I believe:

• We should make voting easier, not harder—by expanding early voting, using secure vote-by-mail, and making registration automatic.

• We must end gerrymandering, so politicians don’t get to choose their voters.

• We need to keep our elections safe and fair, with trusted audits.

Some people may see those as policy details. I see them as matters of trust and truth.

Because behind every ballot is a person. A college student voting for the first time. A retired nurse who never misses an election. A working parent squeezing in time to vote between jobs.

Democracy works best when everyone can show up—and when their voice truly counts.

As a pastor, I’ve always believed that faith means standing up for what’s right. That we’re called to create systems that reflect justice and love. That’s what democracy should be—a way to love our neighbors by building the future together.

So let’s fix what’s broken. Let’s protect what we share. And let’s make sure no one ever has to doubt whether their vote still matters.

Because it does. It always has.