Cabot – Eddie Joe Williams has held numerous positions of leadership at the local, state, and federal levels. He was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to serve in his administration to represent the White House on energy issues where he served 16 states, including Arkansas, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Williams was first elected to the AR State Senate in 2010 and was the first elected Republican Majority leader since reconstruction. He served as chairman of the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs where he worked to make state government smaller and more efficient. He also served on the Governor’s Transformation Team to further efforts in working to reduce the size of state agencies. Williams has sponsored legislation that targets cost savings in state agencies and restructuring government departments to increase efficiency.
On a more personal level, Williams led legislation to construct a monument on the lawn of the State Capitol honoring Gold Star families. Williams is a veteran of the Army and Air National Guard. He also spearheaded a program to bring Arkansas Prison Seminary to the AR prison system where inmates can work toward 4-year accredited degrees. Williams has served on several boards including Lonoke County Safe Haven, a domestic shelter; Cabot Parks and Recreation; Swamp Angels, a board to support retired ministers; Child Advocate Centers of Arkansas and numerous church boards.
Before election to the Senate, Williams was elected to three terms on the Cabot City Council and served as Mayor of Cabot from 2007 through 2010. He also worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 40 years where he wore many hats, working his way up from laborer to Regional Director of Transportation. He was born in Sheridan, Arkansas. He and his wife, DeLona, live in Cabot. Together they have 4 daughters: Tiffinie and Josh Taylor of Cabot, Bethany and Justin Hartz of Cabot, Amanda and Michael Glover of Jonesboro and Hannah and David Warren of Jonesboro. When Williams is not working, he enjoys wood working, church activities, hunting and spending time with his 11 grandchildren.
Williams has strong feelings about serving the people of Arkansas: “My commitment to you, the voter, is to make sure our elections are fair, honest and always transparent. I promise when you walk into the Capitol, you will be greeted with a warm and welcoming smile, because we will be working for you, the owner of the Capitol.”