Documents Reveal Maumelle Republican Stephen Bright’s Disturbing Pattern of Abuse

LITTLE ROCK- Following an investigative report published by On AR Watch and other reporting, Arkansas Democrats are demanding action and further investigation. Stephen Bright should drop out of the race for State House District 71 and elected Republicans should condemn his conduct.

From Arkansas Democrats Chair COL (RET) Marcus Jones:

"The reported conduct of Stephen Bright, candidate for State House District 71, shows that he is completely unfit for office. Multiple allegations of physical abuse, misconduct, voter fraud, and failure to pay court-ordered child support are collectively disqualifying and, in some cases, seemingly criminal.

Does Rep. Brandon Achor still endorse Stephen Bright being his successor in District 71? Do Gov. Sarah Sanders, Sen. Tom Cotton, and Rep. French Hill support Stephen Bright's campaign for elected office? It's time for elected Republicans to show us where they stand on the abuse of women and children, and the choice is clear- they must demand that Bright drop out of this race. He shouldn't be anywhere near the State Capitol legislating on behalf of Arkansas women and children."

Court documents detail conduct from Stephen Bright that includes:

• Bright threatened to kill his ex-wife & she was granted an order of protection against him.
• Bright's ex-wife sought an Order of Protection writing that Bright: "choked me, cut me, kicked me, picked me up and threw me, held a pillow over my head and repeatedly threatened me."
• Stephen Bright admitted in writing that he got physical with his ex-wife. In a letter later included in court records, he wrote there was "never any reason or excuse for this type of behavior."
• A Maumelle officer documented Stephen pushing a door while his ex-wife was caught in the doorway. The officer wrote that he assisted Bright's ex-wife and told Stephen Bright to stop pushing. His ex-wife told police she did not know what Stephen would do and did not want to be alone with him.
• According to police records, Bright's ex-wife came home to find her back kitchen window busted out, with dried blood around it. She told police she had a restraining order against Bright and believed he was the one who did it.
• According to police records, Bright threatened to kill his ex-wife's mother, blocked her in a bathroom, and told her he was going to "get" her, often in front of their two small children.
• Bright's ex-wife asked police to stand by at child custody exchanges because, she said, Bright was becoming more "violent."
• Bright agreed in court filings to not bathe their minor child following concerns from his wife.
• Bright's child's psychotherapist reported Stephen Bright to the child abuse hotline.
• His ex-wife's filing says their daughter's therapist reported Bright was forcing the teenager to shower while he was in the bathroom, and recommended suspending his overnight visits.