Brad C. Simon, a small business owner, family man, and lifelong conservative from Paris, Arkansas, today announced he is switching his candidacy from State Representative District 46 to the State Senate race for District 26, following the tragic passing of longtime Senator Gary Stubblefield. Simon's decision reflects his commitment to continuing Stubblefield's legacy of strong conservative leadership in the River Valley.

"Senator Gary Stubblefield was a true champion for our communities—a dairy farmer, Razorback alumnus, and dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for rural Arkansas values," Simon said. "His unwavering opposition to government overreach, like the proposed prison in Franklin County, inspired us all. Gary's passing leaves a profound void, and my thoughts and prayers remain with his family and loved ones. In his honor, I'm stepping up to carry on the fight for faith, freedom, and family first in District 26."

Raised in Paris, Arkansas, by educators James and Linda Simon, Brad learned the values of hard work, faith, and community early on. A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Economics, he married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie, at 19 and built a life centered on family, faith, and service. Together, they have three children—Andrew, Emily, and T.J.—and are active members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Paris, where Brad has served on the Parish Council. His leadership in the Knights of Columbus, raising funds for charities like CASA and the Boys & Girls Club, and his role as former Vice President of the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce reflect his commitment to strengthening local communities.

Simon’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through his small business, which he started from scratch in 2013 and which now employs over 20 Arkansans statewide. His firsthand experience navigating government regulations fuels his passion for limited government and economic freedom. “As a conservative, I believe in unleashing the power of Arkansas’ workers and businesses by cutting red tape and lowering taxes,” Simon said. “I’ll fight for jobs and a thriving economy by protecting small businesses from overreach and ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely.”

On immigration, Simon takes a firm stance: “We must secure our borders and enforce our laws to protect Arkansas communities and resources. Illegal immigration strains our economy and public services, and I’ll support policies that put Arkansas citizens first.” He also pledges to safeguard Arkansas from foreign influence, particularly from China. “We cannot allow Communist Chinese interests to infiltrate our land, businesses, or institutions. I’ll work to keep Arkansas sovereign and secure.”

As a supporter of law enforcement, Simon is committed to keeping Arkansas safe. “I back the blue and will ensure our first responders have the resources they need to protect our communities,” he stated. His deep ties to educators, including his parents and close friends, drive his support for education—but he emphasizes fiscal responsibility: “We must fund our schools effectively while cutting wasteful government spending to keep taxes low for hardworking families.”