A state representative and a Fort Smith attorney are vying for the state senate seat representing Fort Smith.

Rep. Justin Boyd and Kelly Procter Pierce, both Republicans, are the only two vying for the job.

The Senate seat is open because Sen. Mat Pitsch, who represented the area as District 8, is running for state treasurer.

Boyd served in the Arkansas House of Representatives for nearly eight years. He represents District 77, which will become District 50 after the election, mirroring the lines of the district after the Arkansas Allocation Board redraws them.

Boyd, 46, is running for the seat to work more closely with the governor and represent a wider area of ​​coverage.

“I’ve had four terms in the House and I’d like to bring that experience to the Senate,” Boyd said.

With his background as a pharmacist, he wants to continue to play a role in shaping state health care.

Boyd also hopes to give parents a greater voice in their children’s education. He would like to be tax conscious, allowing the government to operate as efficiently as possible with the least burden on citizens.

“As the state grows, we must always be careful to balance a citizen’s needs with taxation,” Boyd said.

Boyd would also like to see elections streamlined to allow voters to be more aware of when they are happening.

“I want voters to know that these are the normal times to expect to vote,” Boyd said.

Procter Pierce, 56, has been practicing law in Fort Smith since about 1993 and is the owner of the law firm Kapp Legal.

Procter Pierce wants to run for office to make a difference in his community.

“I think everyone gets into politics wanting to make the world a better place,” Procter Pierce said.

She said being a good politician is about keeping that zeal for justice and continuing to fight to serve the people.

She wants to bring with her the problem-solving skills that practicing law has given her.

Procter Pierce said she held traditional Republican values. She is pro-life, favors the Second Amendment and small government.

“I just want to make sure we stay on a path where people have individual rights and freedoms,” Procter Pierce said.

Alex Gladden graduated from the University of Arkansas. She previously worked for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Jonesboro Sun before joining The Times Record. She can be contacted at [email protected]