U8/8 Thanks to all the individuals around the state who have supported my family and me as we have considered this decision. We appreciate you all. Anyone who is inclined to help can support the campaign through the website: https://t.co/T0lnfg8COV #arpx #ARnews
— Gregory Bledsoe MD MPH (@ghbledsoe) February 4, 2021
Surgeon General Gregory Bledsoe announced today as a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022.
Sen. Jason Rapert has already announced and several others are said to be considering the race.
Bledsoe’s mother, Cecile, is a member of the state Senate. His father has a high-level job at the state Health Department. Bledsoe works at a hospital as well as being paid as surgeon general by the state of Arkansas.
They are conservative, small-government Republicans.
I asked Bledsoe if he thought he could continue as surgeon general if elected. He said:
Interesting question about being both Lt Governor and SG. Probably not technically prohibited, but in my opinion would violate the spirit and purpose of both positions. If elected Lt Gov I have no intentions of remaining SG, and remaining SG would be completely up to the new Governor anyway. I doubt I’d stay SG regardless of my campaign results. It’s been the honor of my career, but eight years will have been long enough.