Chris Jones, a Pine Bluff native and the Democratic candidate who captured national attention during his 2022 gubernatorial run, has officially filed to challenge Republican incumbent French Hill in Arkansas’s 2nd Congressional District.
Jones — a nuclear engineer, ordained minister, and proud product of southeast Arkansas — drew widespread recognition during his campaign for governor, where his message of unity, opportunity, and inclusive leadershipresonated across the state. Though he lost that race, he built a strong grassroots following and established himself as a rising voice in Democratic politics.
“The work isn’t done,” Jones said after filing his candidacy. “As someone who grew up in Pine Bluff, I understand firsthand the challenges many Arkansans face. We need leadership in Washington that listens, leads with compassion, and puts people — not politics — first.”
Jones becomes the second Democrat to enter the race in the 2nd District, which includes Little Rock and surrounding parts of central Arkansas. He now sets his sights on unseating Congressman French Hill, who has represented the district since 2015.
Hill, a former banker, is an influential member of the House Financial Services Committee and has made a name for himself as a proponent of cryptocurrency regulation and a loyal voice within the GOP establishment.
The Republican side of the race is also heating up, as Hill faces a primary challenge from political consultant Chase McDowell.
Jones’s entry into the congressional race reflects a continued Democratic push to make inroads in the 2nd District — historically one of Arkansas’s most competitive seats, though it has remained in Republican hands for the past decade.
The Arkansas primary elections are set for March 3, 2026, with the general election to follow in November.
