Arkansas Democrats Thank Chair Grant Tennille for Historic 4-Year Term in Service of the Party

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Democrats across four generations released the following statements thanking outgoing Chair Grant Tennille for his service to the party.

Interim Chair and Southern Regional Vice President for the Association of State Democratic Committees Jannie Cotton said:

"Arkansas Democrats will never stop thanking Grant Tennille for his hard work and dedication to our values. I'm so proud to have been a part of the incredible work that has happened at the party for the past two years. We are in a much better position financially and legislatively than we were four years ago, and we owe so much of that to Grant.

As Chair, Grant Tennille took our party to new heights. It's on all of us to honor his dedication and exemplary service by keeping up the fight for a better future for Arkansas."

Former U.S. Senator Mark Pryor said:

"I have seen firsthand how much heart and skill Grant Tennille has brought to this role. He has taken on every challenge with grace and grit, and we are better for it. His commitment, energy, and determination have transformed the party at every level. We are stronger today because of his leadership. His strategic vision and steady guidance have positioned the Arkansas Democratic Party for future success."

Former U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln said:

"I am proud to join other Arkansas Democrats in expressing my gratitude and praise for the amazing job Grant has done leading our Arkansas Democratic Party.

His leadership has been full of devotion and hard work, not to mention his efforts to work with all areas of our Great State of Arkansas in order to unify and strengthen our party. I am proud of his leadership, passion and most of all his friendship. We are wishing you all the best, Grant!"

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said:

"I want to give my friend Grant Tennille a big shout out for leading the Democratic Party of Arkansas-he's done an incredible job building up his state party and putting Democrats in a position to compete. Arkansas is moving forward because of the work he's put into building infrastructure across the state. He might be taking a well-deserved rest but I know he won't be going too far and Arkansans are better off for it."

Association of State Democratic Committees President and Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said:

"Chair Tennille grew the Arkansas Democratic party and contributed his vast array of skills to our National Association of State Democratic Committees. We are grateful for the leadership, time and pure grit he showed Arkansas and the country."

Former College Democrats of America President and current Young Democrats of Arkansas Vice President Aliah Rowe said:

"I am so grateful for the leadership of Chair Grant Tennille and the direction he has taken the party. He has always encouraged and fully supported Young Democrats, and we will miss working closely with him to push the party forward.

Grant has changed the party for the better and has made a lasting impact on the party that will continue for years. Although we are sad to see him leave, I fully support him in his next endeavor and wish him all the best. Thank you, Grant, for everything.

Best Democratic Party of Arkansas Chair of my lifetime? Clock it."

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Greg Leding said:

"The party's gonna miss Grant Tennille. He's worked himself to the bone to put the party in its best post-majority shape. He helped the party get its house in order, and he oversaw the first election in two decades that saw Democrats add to their numbers in the legislature. I'm forever grateful he did the hard work and hung in there for so long."

House Minority Leader Rep. Andrew Collins said:

"Grant did a great job. Under his leadership, Democrats gained in the House for the first time in two decades, and we're in a strong position for the future. I'm grateful for his service, accomplishments, and friendship."

Former House Minority Leader Rep. Tippi McCullough:

"Working alongside Grant Tennille gives you the confidence that you're not only on the most talented team - but also the hardest working. Grant volunteered for one of the most demanding roles in politics and poured himself into it: traveling thousands of miles across Arkansas, working endless hours and weekends, and muscling the redirection our Party needed.

Even before he became Chair, Grant delivered for Arkansas families. As Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, he helped secure the $1.1 billion Big River Steel Mill superproject. He also was the first member of our state's executive leadership to publicly support same-sex marriage, even without knowing whether it would cost him his job.

Grant's tenure as Chair built the momentum that led to the best election Arkansas Democrats have had in 20 years. During the 2023 legislative session, I knew Grant was working just as hard as anyone at the State Capitol - and there hasn't been a day since that I haven't been thankful for his service to our state. I know he'll continue to work to make Arkansas brighter, because it's simply baked into his bones."

Former Senator Minority Leader Keith Ingram said:

"We will never thank Grant enough for his service to our party and the state of Arkansas. His efforts will bear fruit for years to come."

First Latina Ever Elected to the Arkansas State House, Rep. Dr. Diana Gonzales Worthen said:

"It has been a pleasure working with Chairman Grant Tennille. His enthusiasm, service and positive energy will be missed. However, his love for enhancing the lives of Arkansans will continue. He always made time for me as a freshman legislator when I had questions. Thank you for your leadership."

Candidate for Governor in 2022, Dr. Chris Jones said:

"All you need to know about a person is how they spend their most precious resource-time. For the last four years, Grant Tennille poured his time, his energy, and his heart into fighting for Arkansans he may never meet-people who may never know his name but will feel the impact of his sacrifice.

That's the mark of true leadership. That's the mark of Grant Tennille.

Though he's stepping down as Chair, I know this much: Grant loves Arkansas too much to stop fighting. This chapter may be ending, but his story of service is far from over. See you in the next round, my friend."

Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus Chair Debrah Mitchell said:

"Grant was never shy to say the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus was one of the party's greatest partners- and Chair Tennille was always one of our strongest supporters as well. We are so grateful for his leadership, hard work, and dedication over the past 4 years."

Young Democrats of Arkansas President Billy Cook said:

"Grant Tennille wasn't just a Chair who helped rebuild our party, and he wasn't just a Chair who got things done; Grant was a party Chair who always put other people first.

The Young Democrats of Arkansas couldn't have had a stronger champion than in Chair Tennille who recognized that young people aren't just the future of the party, but its present too. It was Grant Tennille who asked me to run for office in 2024, and it was his support that helped me and so many other young candidates run strong campaigns. I cannot thank him enough for being a real leader, friend, and mentor."

Chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas Veterans & Military Families Caucus & Ret. Army Colonel Marcus Jones said:

"I want to give a heartfelt thanks to Grant Tennille for his four years as Chair of the Democratic Party. His tireless efforts dramatically improved every aspect of our party.

His leadership & dedication to Democratic values exemplifies integrity, commitment, and public service. I'm proud to have worked with Grant during his term as Chair and to call him a dear friend.

Grant has fought hard for a better future for all Arkansans. We have a responsibility to keep building on that momentum."

Former Young Democrats of Arkansas President Allison Grigsby Sweatman said:

"Grant Tennille is a champion for young people in politics. His support, mentorship, and personal sacrifice has brought success and opportunity to the Young Democrats of Arkansas throughout his tenure as Chair of our Party. I'm grateful for Grant's service and heart for our state, a legacy that will no doubt continue for generations to come."

Former DPA Strategic Director under Tennille, Will Watson said:

"Grant Tennille has shown his devotion to the Democratic Party through victory and loss, when others who owe their whole careers to the brighter days of the Party had long fallen by the wayside. Grant didn't see an Arkansas of signs or dividing lines - he saw a place of opportunity for everyone, and he worked to make it a reality. Grant's exceptional musical taste, his devotion to his family, and his appreciation for everything that makes Arkansas so special make him the remarkable human and Democrat that he is."

Former Democratic Party of Arkansas Vice Chair and North Little Rock City Council Member Nicole Hart said:

"Grant has brought people together for his entire career- from his time in Governor Beebe's office to his time at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to his term at the William A. Gwatney Democratic Party Headquarters. His heart for people and his drive to serve is an example for all of us.

Our state and our party needs more leaders like Grant-who has worked selflessly and tirelessly to make Arkansas better. I'm grateful to know him and to call him a friend. The next Chair, and all Arkansas Democrats, have so much to thank him for."