East Little Rock Times

Adam Sims has announced his candidacy for the Lonoke County Quorum Court, representing District 7. The election is scheduled for March 5.

The Quorum Court's responsibilities include tax levying and determining county officers' compensation. Members of this court are referred to as justices of the peace.

According to the Association of Arkansas Counties, Lonoke County's total projected revenues for 2022 were slightly below $40 million.

As per a report in the Arkansas Leader, Sims, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Jeremy Reed in the primary race for the Quorum Court in District 7. Sims previously served on the Quorum Court for 14 years before 2023.

The Arkansas Leader also reported that Reed, who succeeded Sims following the 2022 general election, was arrested on January 30, 2023. He faces a felony charge for maintaining a gambling house at his tobacco store and four misdemeanor charges. His trial has been postponed until March 13; if convicted, he would be ineligible to hold public office.

In addition to being a Persian Gulf veteran with the Army National Guard, Sims is an electrician who has been employed by Union Pacific Railroad for over two decades. According to what Sims told the Arkansas Leader, "When I started my political ambitions back in the late 1990s, it was as a Republican. While the issues facing the people back then were just as important, our county has moved past them into new eras of issues. Issues like drainage, roads, crime and civil matters. It is my intention to address all the issues with just as much vigor as before."

Sims is contesting against incumbent member Jeremy Reed in the Lonoke County JP Republican primary. Reed was arrested on January 30, 2023 on allegations of operating an illegal gambling house in his Austin tobacco shop.