BREAKING NEWS: Arkansas State Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, announced Tuesday that he is resigning from the Arkansas State Senate, ending nearly 2 decades of service in the Arkansas General Assembly.
Dismang announced the decision during Tuesday morning’s meeting of the Arkansas Legislative Council’s Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee, commonly known as PEER. The official meeting agenda listed Dismang as Senate co-chair of the committee.
Dismang said his resignation is effective at the end of the day Tuesday, September 15.
Shortly after the announcement, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas announced that Dismang will join the organization as Vice President of External Affairs, according to information released Tuesday. The cooperative organization’s website now also has a Jonathan Dismang profile page, although the public-facing page available at the time of this report does not display his new title.
In announcing his departure, Dismang said:
“After much thought, I’ve decided it’s time for me to step away from the Arkansas State Senate. Serving the people of Arkansas has been an opportunity very few people ever get, and I’m grateful for the trust they placed in me.”
Dismang has served in the Arkansas Legislature since 2009, beginning with a term in the Arkansas House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2010. His current Senate District 18 includes White County and portions of Faulkner and Cleburne counties.
His legislative work has included healthcare, tax policy, education, food insecurity, the state budget, economic development and energy policy.
Dismang has also held several major Senate leadership roles.
The Arkansas Senate says he was elected President Pro Tempore during the 89th General Assembly following the resignation of the previous officeholder and was subsequently elected to lead the chamber during both the 90th and 91st General Assemblies. The Senate notes that only William Norrell and Bart Hester have also been elected to consecutive terms as president pro tempore in the modern era.
Dismang has also served as Senate co-chair of the Joint Budget Committee and the Arkansas Legislative Council’s PEER Subcommittee, placing him in a significant role in state budgeting and fiscal policy.
Reflecting on his legislative career, Dismang said:
“I’ve tried to focus on issues of consequence—work that could make somebody’s life a little better or leave Arkansas better positioned for the future. I came here hoping I could make an impact, and I hope that when all is said and done, I helped move the needle a little bit for the better.”
Dismang also thanked his constituents, legislative colleagues, state employees and staff members, along with his wife, Mandy, and their sons.
“I leave with a lot of friendships, plenty of memories, a few scars from some good legislative fights and an enormous amount of gratitude,” Dismang said. “Thank you for giving me the chance.”
As of the latest online check Tuesday, the Arkansas Senate’s website still listed Dismang as the senator representing District 18, meaning the site had not yet been updated to reflect the same-day resignation announcement.
ArkansasRadio.com will update this developing story as additional information becomes available regarding the District 18 vacancy and Dismang’s new role.
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