Governor Discusses Arkansas Education, Phone-Free Schools, Getting Kids Outdoors, Tourism and the November Election During Visit to Harding University
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited Searcy Thursday evening, October 22, 2026, for the White County Republican Committee’s sold-out Star Spangled 250th Birthday Bash at Harding University.
During her Searcy visit, the governor joined ArkansasRadio.com broadcaster Bob Connell for a special conversation on Open Mic, discussing several major issues affecting Arkansas families, schools, communities and the state’s future.
The conversation covered the upcoming November 3 election, Arkansas’ phone-free school policy, education reforms, the state’s growing outdoor recreation opportunities, tourism and the efforts of First Gentleman Bryan Sanders to encourage children to spend more time outdoors.
The governor also spoke about what she believes makes Arkansas an attractive place for families and businesses.
The sold-out celebration at Harding University was organized to recognize America’s 250th anniversary, with Governor Sanders serving as the evening’s featured guest speaker.
Listen to the Full ArkansasRadio.com Open Mic Interview With Governor Sanders
Hear Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ complete conversation with Bob Connell on ArkansasRadio.com Open Mic, recorded during the sold-out Star Spangled 250th Birthday Bash at Harding University in Searcy.
Bob Connell Talks With Governor Sanders About the November Election
Connell opened the ArkansasRadio.com Open Mic conversation by discussing what he described as an unusually strong level of voter participation and excitement surrounding the approaching election.
“I tell you, it is amazing. This electorate is the biggest turnout that I can remember in recent history,” Connell told the governor.
Sanders responded by emphasizing participation and the importance she places on Arkansas voters making their voices heard.
“Well, and it’s great for Arkansas,” Sanders said.
She encouraged people to participate in the election and bring attention to the issues and values important to them.
“We hope people are not only showing up, but taking their friends and remembering what Arkansas stands for,” the governor said.
Sanders also made a direct partisan appeal, encouraging voters to support Republican candidates up and down the ballot.
Near the conclusion of the interview, Sanders again encouraged participation in the November 3 election and expressed her support for Republican candidates.
Arkansas’ general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting began October 19 and continues through November 2.
Official statewide turnout figures for the election were not established by the interview, and Connell’s remarks reflected his observations about participation and enthusiasm.
Governor Praises First Gentleman Bryan Sanders for Getting Kids Outdoors
Among the more personal moments of the conversation was when Connell turned the discussion to First Gentleman Bryan Sanders and his work promoting outdoor activities for Arkansas families and children.
Connell praised Bryan Sanders for helping encourage children to put down their electronic devices and spend more time outdoors.
The governor responded warmly about her husband.
“Well, not only is he a superhero motivating kids, but he helps keep our whole crew going,” Sanders said.
She expressed appreciation for his support and their shared commitment to promoting Arkansas’ natural resources.
“And we have really focused a lot on getting kids off screens and outdoors,” Sanders told Connell.
The governor said Arkansas’ natural beauty creates opportunities that families should be encouraged to experience.
“I think one of the things that makes Arkansas special and unique is our beautiful, epic outdoor spaces,” she said.
Arkansas’ Natural State Initiative, chaired by First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, focuses on promoting outdoor recreation and strengthening the state’s outdoor economy.
The state has also introduced an outdoor education initiative to connect classroom learning with activities such as biking, fishing, conservation and outdoor exploration.
Governor Discusses Arkansas Tourism Records and Growing Interest in the Natural State
Tourism was another major topic during the Open Mic conversation.
Sanders told Connell that attracting visitors to Arkansas does more than benefit hotels, restaurants and local attractions.
She said visitors often discover the state’s quality of life and later decide to make Arkansas their permanent home.
“People come to Arkansas to visit. They see how amazing our state is and they decide to relocate here permanently,” Sanders said.
She also expressed pride in Arkansas’ tourism records.
The state recorded an estimated 54.3 million visitors in 2025, according to the 2025 Arkansas Tourism Economic Impact Report.
Those visitors generated approximately $10.2 billion in direct visitor spending, with an estimated overall economic impact of $17.4 billion. Although visitor numbers reached a record, direct visitor spending was slightly lower than in 2024.
The governor said maintaining Arkansas’ appeal to visitors and new residents remains important.
Governor Talks About Arkansas Values and New Residents
Connell also discussed comments he has heard from people visiting Arkansas from other states.
Sanders responded that Arkansas welcomes new residents while encouraging them to appreciate the reasons they moved to the state.
“We’re happy to welcome new people into Arkansas, but we want them to remember why they came here,” Sanders said.
She identified families, faith, freedom and love of country as values she believes attract people to Arkansas.
The comments reflected the governor’s views on the state’s identity and the qualities she considers important to preserving its character.
Bob Connell Brings Up Local Festivals and What Teachers Are Saying About Phone-Free Schools
The interview also highlighted North Central Arkansas communities and their busy fall festival schedules.
Connell mentioned the Arkansas Scottish Festival, BeanFest and festivals in Cabot while discussing the many activities taking place throughout the region.
He then turned the conversation toward education, telling the governor that he has heard positive reactions from teachers about Arkansas’ restrictions on student cellphone use during the school day.
Connell said he has noticed a significant change in what educators are saying.
The governor responded that she has heard similar feedback.
“You know, we’ve had a lot of teachers who said if they had known what an impact it would have they would have begged us to do it years ago,” Sanders said.
She explained that the administration views phone-free classrooms as a way to help students concentrate on learning.
“Proud that our kids are getting a phone free education,” Sanders said.
“It’s not about taking something away it’s about giving them an education without distractions.”
The comments were among the governor’s most direct observations about the school cellphone policy during her conversation with Connell.
Governor Credits Education Reforms and Phone-Free Classrooms With Helping Students
Sanders also discussed her administration’s investments in Arkansas public education and expansion of school choice.
She told Connell she believes restricting student cellphone use during the school day is among several factors contributing to improvements in student performance.
“I think it’s one of the reasons our kids test scores have gone up,” Sanders said.
She also pointed to public education investments and the expansion of school choice as important elements of her administration’s education policies.
The governor described access to a quality education as a major priority of her administration.
“I’ve made no secret that was my top priority coming in and we’ve made significant progress on that front,” Sanders said.
Arkansas’ Bell to Bell, No Cell Act took effect for the 2025–2026 school year.
The law requires public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt restrictions on student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, with certain exemptions for emergencies, health needs and qualifying educational accommodations.
While Sanders attributed some improvements in test scores to phone-free learning environments, the interview did not establish a direct causal relationship between the cellphone policy and statewide academic results.
Sold-Out White County Republican Event Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary
The governor’s visit to Searcy was connected with the White County Republican Committee’s Star Spangled 250th Birthday Bash.
The special celebration took place Thursday evening at Harding University, with a scheduled start of 6:30 PM.
The gathering was held in the university’s AFI Room, upstairs from the cafeteria.
Reservations for the event were originally offered at $50 per person.
All available reservations were sold before the event.
The evening’s planned activities included dinner, birthday cake and an appearance by Governor Sanders.
The celebration recognized the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The event’s promotional theme was “America at 250 — A Brighter Tomorrow Together.”
Roger Pearson is chairman of the White County Republican Committee.
An official attendance count has not been provided.
Governor Thanks Bob Connell and Encourages Election Participation
As the ArkansasRadio.com Open Mic conversation came to a close, Connell thanked the governor for taking time to speak with him during her Searcy visit.
“Well thanks for coming out and talking with us here,” Connell said.
The governor returned the thanks and reiterated her political message concerning the approaching general election.
The conversation concluded with Sanders thanking Connell for having her on the program.
The interview offered ArkansasRadio.com listeners an opportunity to hear directly from Governor Sanders about education, outdoor recreation, tourism, state priorities and the November election.
The interview is part of ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations’ Open Mic programming, which features conversations with public officials, community leaders and people involved in issues and events affecting Arkansas.
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