Joyce Elliott


Joyce Ann Elliott is a former public school teacher and American politician from the state of Arkansas. A member of the Democratic Party, she has served in the Arkansas Senate, representing the 31st District, which consists of a portion of Pulaski County, since 2009. She is the former majority leader and was previously a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2000 through 2006. She has continued to be active in her party at the local, state, and national levels. Elliott acted as the chairman of the Whole Child Community Program and was the vice chairman of both the Arkansas Legislative Council of Policy Making and the Joint Public Retirement and Social Security programs. Elliott has also served on numerous committees in the Arkansas 90th General Assembly.
Elliott is the Democratic candidate for Arkansas's 2nd Congressional District, and her campaign has been given national support as part of Democrats' highly competitive 'Red to Blue' program.

Early Life and Career

Joyce Ann Elliott was born on March 20, 1951 in Willisville, Arkansas. Elliott was the second person of color to graduate from the recently integrated high school.
Elliott attended Southern Arkansas University where she earned a B.A. in English and Speech. She attended Ouachita Baptist University where she earned an M.A. in English.
After receiving her education, Elliott taught at Joe T. Robinson High School for 30 years.

Arkansas legislature

Elliott has been recognized for her excellence during her time in the offices of both the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas Senate. She was given the Arkansas Municipal League Distinguished Legislator Award at its 83rd convention as well as the recipient of another award in 2003 by the Arkansas Labor Council for her contribution to community service. She was granted the Pacesetter Award and was named by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette as one of the “Ten Best Legislators” that same year.
Throughout her years as an Arkansas legislator, Elliott has been the chairwoman for many different committees. Some of which include: the While Child Community Program Committee, Vision 2025 Legislative Commission on the Future of Higher Education Committee, the Education-House & Senate Act 64 AD HOC Subcommittee and the AR Comprehensive School Improvement Plans Committee. She has also been a sponsor and/or co-sponsor of over 20 bills, most of which education-oriented, that have reached debate on the floor.

Elections

2000 election

2010 election

Elliott ran against Republican nominee Timothy Griffin for the seat of the Democratic incumbent Vic Snyder who retired. On November 2 Elliott lost to Griffin.

2020 election

Elliott announced her candidacy for the U.S. House in Arkansas's 2nd congressional district on November 12th, 2019 against Republican incumbent French Hill.