DPBC 2026 County Convention Candidates
State Committee Candidates
Election of State Committee Members
At the Monday, April 13th, County Convention, 7 State Committee Members will be elected to represent Benton County for the 2026-2028 term beginning following the November Mid-term Election. These county representatives serve two year terms and are responsible for voting on all items brought to the State Committee (including changes to party rules, state candidate filing fees, and electing state party leadership).
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Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name below. For voting purposes, gender identification parity will be used when determining the 7 elected members. Voting will be in-person only at the county convention, Monday April 13th, at the NWACC Walmart Auditorium (1000 SE Eagle Way, Bentonville). The convention doors will open at 6 p.m. and the meeting will commence at 6:30 p.m..

Kelsey Bain
Running for 1st term
I've mostly lived and grown up in very Democratic states (Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Massachusetts). I moved to Arkansas 5 years ago and I see such strength in the Democratic Party here that maybe the rest of the country doesn't realize is here. I think local politics are the HEART of this country and strengthening the Democratic party locally, here in Bentonville, is one of the most impactful things that we can do for our community - and the country. I want to be part of that, in whatever way I can. I have volunteered for various Presidential campaigns throughout the years, primarily as a canvasser.

Melanie B. Hoskins
Running for 1st term
I wish to serve as a State Committee representative for Benton County to strengthen the connection between local communities and state-level decision-making. As both a public policy practitioner and advisor, and through my academic training with a PhD in Public Policy, I bring experience in identifying policy narratives, tracking emerging trends, and understanding how policy decisions are shaped and implemented. In my role administering elections, I also see how policy operates in practice—impacting access, participation, and trust. These combined perspectives allow me to bridge strategy and lived experience, identifying not only what policies aim to do, but how they function on the ground. I am committed to thoughtful governance, transparency, and inclusive engagement, and I view this role as an opportunity to elevate Benton County’s voice while contributing to a more informed and responsive statewide strategy. 2018-Campaign volunteer, Nicole Clowney State House Campaign 2020-Campaign manager, Ronetta Francis State Senatorial Campaign 2023-Democratic Benton County Election Commissioner 2023-Democratic Benton County Election Commissioner Ongoing-Donor to federal, state, and local candidates

Randy Rice
Running for 1st term
I worked on my first Democrat campaign when I was 19. I can still remember how thrilling it was to watch the long shot candidate I had worked for get sworn in. I see more and more young adults getting involved with the BCDP and it makes me so happy and I want them to experience that feeling of going up against the odds and winning. And I believe they will, and we will, start winning in Benton County and beyond. So, first and foremost, I wish to serve in the committee because I want to put all of the efforts I can into helping the Democratics win. My history with the BCDP is outlined below and I think being a committee member is the next logical step in my involvement. Plus, I think my extensive experience working for the Democrats over the years, first in Chicago and then in California for 30 years working on Adam Shiff’s campaign, among others, and since 2017 working for the BCDP all puts me in a unique position to lend my experience and knowledge to our efforts here in Arkansas. I moved from California to Arkansas in 2017 and immediately got involved with the Benton County Democratic organization. In 2018 I worked on Celeste Williams campaign for state senator and two years later worked on her 2020 congressional campaign. In 2022 I ran for office to be a NWACC Board Trustee. In 2024 I was a delegate to the state convention and became a Block Captain in Bella Vista. I have continued as a block captain taking on a broader territory for the midterm cycle.

Lon Cross
Running for 2nd term
I want to serve as an advocate for NWA Democrats. DPBC Treasurer since April 2020; State Committee Member; Member of the DPA Budget & Audit Committee; Member of the Black Caucus; Member of the Veterans Caucus

Tyler Masters
Running for 2nd term
I want to serve as a State Committee representative to ensure Benton County has a strong, consistent voice at the state level. Through my work with DPBC, I’ve been closely involved in both party operations and community engagement, giving me a clear understanding of our local strengths and challenges. I bring a practical, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to collaboration. My goal is to strengthen alignment between state and local efforts, support sustainable party growth, and advocate for the needs of Benton County while contributing to the broader success of Democrats across Arkansas. -Former Secretary, Democratic Party of Benton County (DPBC) -Supported local party operations, communications, and meeting coordination -Volunteered with DPBC events, initiatives, and community outreach -Assisted Democratic candidates through volunteer support and campaign efforts -Ongoing involvement in strengthening local engagement and party infrastructure

Parker Stohlton
Running for 2nd term
I love Arkansas and I love Benton County! I’ve enjoyed being on the State Committee the previous two terms because it’s allowed me to meet and network with Democrats from all over the state. I take as many opportunities as I can to highlight the great work that we are doing in Benton County - I love sharing that every cycle we have amazing candidates and that progressives have won non-partisan races too. I humbly ask for the opportunity to serve you for another term. Since moving to Benton County in 2021: - joined the DPBC the first week I moved here - volunteered for several candidates - served on the State Committee since 2022 - 2024 DNC Delegate, proudly representing Arkansas - became the Communications Chair for the DPBC

Anna Good
Running for 3rd term
I continue to organize as a Democrat because I want our party to move forward with strength and intention. Serving on the State Committee is a serious commitment- travel around the state to various meeting locations, prepare for meetings by reading through any proposed resolutions, rule changes, and/or leadership changes ahead of time, and collaborating with other members in anticipation of upcoming votes. In my role on the State Committee, I’ve also served on the Credentials Committee and the County Review Committee. I hope to continue to serve as part of the Benton County members team to ensure that Northwest Arkansas has strong voices serving our interests. I have served as Chair of the DPBC since Jan 2021. It’s our 3rd election cycle since then, and we work hard each cycle to support our candidates and work directly with voters. I have represented our county party at numerous public events, and worked with our leadership team to fundraise, plan events, bring in community partners, and engage our membership to be more active participants in democracy. Before 2021 I supported our candidates by door-knocking, lit-dropping, and running phone banks.

Gina Moroni
Running for 1st term
I am seeking a seat on the State Democratic Committee because I am deeply committed to the singular goal that drives our party: getting Democrats elected. My priorities include: Winning Locally to Lead Regionally: I will work tirelessly to support the Democratic Party of Benton County and our local candidates. Expanding the Base: I endorse a strategy that reaches beyond traditional strongholds. By investing in voter registration and grassroots organizing in growing counties like ours, we can build the sustainable ""Heart of the Party"" needed to win back seats in every corner of Arkansas. Breaking the Supermajority: I am laser-focused on the DPA’s mission to break the legislative supermajority. I believe that by highlighting common-sense solutions for maternal health, rural infrastructure, and fair wages, we can win back the trust of working-class Arkansans. Part of the DPBC Steering Committee Have steer-headed the Little Flock Picnic for the last two years Have hosted a fundraiser for the DPA Volunteered by canvassing, writing postcards, and making phone calls on many campaigns Volunteered by collecting signatures for ballot initiatives Volunteered by registering voters Marched with the Dems in Pride and Holiday Parades Volunteered at the booth at Pride events Regularly attend meetings, candidate events, strategy sessions, and happy hours
