Nichols Announces Run for State Representative in District 1

Mark Nichols is announcing his run for State Representative for District 1, which covers all of Clay County and portions of Randolph and Greene counties. Nichols has a heart to serve others and a passion for conservative values.  “If elected, I want to be a voice for what is good and true at our Capitol,” Nichols says.

Growing up working in rice and bean fields from the age of 13, Nichols has a strong, proven work ethic.  He attended Black River Technical College and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Arkansas.  As a licensed professional engineer, his work experience includes working on significant infrastructure and roadway projects throughout Arkansas while serving as an engineer for the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the City of Jonesboro, and now as owner of a small transportation engineering firm.   

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Nichols is active in his church, and his faith in God impacts his worldview.  “I believe God’s ways are the ways to human flourishing,” Nichols says, “And this belief will impact how I vote in Little Rock.”  Nichols believes firmly in the sanctity of life.  He believes the blessings of liberty are best supported by a limited government.  “Government is necessary and is even God-ordained, but it also has a tendency to keep growing.  We have to be aware of that and keep things in proper balance with the liberty of our citizens and taxpayers,” Nichols says. 

If elected, his priorities would include:

• Legislation to protect children online through requirements like app disclosures on graphic content and accountability for violators. 
• Working with ARDOT on area highway infrastructure improvements, including safety and capacity improvements.
• Keeping our local family farms in business. 
• Working with Governor Sanders on her continued priorities of increasing excellence in education and lowering the tax burden on Arkansas families. 

His public service includes serving on the Craighead County Library Board for more than three years, where he advocated for policies to protect children from explicit material.  “The hearts and minds of our kids are worth protecting,” Nichols said.  Nichols also served in his church’s food pantry for several years, where he saw people truly struggling in our area.  “I want to improve the quality of life for all people while also increasing personal responsibility for how our taxpayer resources are used. My mom was a struggling single mother who eventually became a leader in public education and taught on the college level,” Nichols says. “I understand how difficult it is to provide for a family, and I want to give young people more opportunities for practical life-skill training so they can better provide for their families.”

Outside of work, Nichols enjoys spending time with his wife of 18 years, Stephanie DeClerk Nichols, and their 7 children. They reside in Randolph County.  “I’m a good listener and love talking to people.  If elected, it would be my honor to represent and serve the people of District One,” Nichols says.

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