State Representative — District 52 Side by Side Candidate Profile

As part of our ongoing election coverage, The Waldron News invited all candidates running for Arkansas House District 52 to respond to an identical questionnaire. This allows voters to directly compare each candidate’s background, priorities, and philosophy — in their own words. Responses have been printed exactly as submitted and are listed alphabetically by last name.

What professional, legislative, or advocacy experience has best prepared you to represent Scott County at the state level? (150 words max)

Malloy:
My experience as a small business owner and city council member has best prepared me to represent Scott County at the state level. I have built businesses from the ground up, managed budgets, navigated regulations, and created jobs, which gives me firsthand understanding of how state policy affects opportunity at the local level. On City Council, I regularly review ordinances, financial reports, and infrastructure projects, and I ask hard questions to ensure decisions are transparent and fiscally responsible. I also work closely with families, business owners, and community leaders across our district. This combination of real-world business experience and local government service has shaped my focus on growth, accountability, and opportunity, especially in rural communities that cannot afford policies disconnected from everyday realities.

Montgomery:
I have four years of experience on the Quorum Court in Yell County. In that time, we have found ways to fix many roads in Yell County and provide more funding to a local school district in need. I understand what it means to listen to the needs of your constituents and find ways to meet those needs.

Thompson:
My professional and community experience has prepared me to represent Scott County with strong leadership, practical understanding, and proven results. Through my roles at Arkansas Tech University, including serving two terms as Staff Senate President, I learned how to listen, build consensus, manage budgets, and advocate for working families and employees. I also hold a degree in Political Science, which provided me with a solid foundation in government, public policy, and the legislative process. In my current and past work in fundraising, compliance, and community engagement, I have partnered with local businesses, educators, and civic leaders to solve problems and strengthen our communities. On the campaign trail, I’ve spent countless hours listening to neighbors across Scott County and learning firsthand about their concerns and priorities. These experiences have taught me the importance of accountability, transparency, and hard work. I am committed to putting people first and representing Scott County with integrity and common sense at the State Capitol.

Jones:
I have always been a strong advocate for rural Arkansas. I organized and drove in a tractor protest to the Capital in Little Rock in support of ranchers and farmers.

Why are you seeking to serve as a state representative at this point in your life, and what do you believe is the most important issue facing your district today? (100 words max)

Malloy:
I am seeking to serve as a state representative because District 52 deserves leadership focused on opportunity and long-term growth. I want families to feel they can build businesses, provide a better life for their children, and return home after college or trade school with confidence they can succeed. The most important issue facing our district today is ensuring state policy supports that opportunity rather than allowing our communities to slowly shrink. Representation should be rooted in understanding rural dynamics, local needs, and the importance of keeping our towns strong.

Montgomery:
I believe that I can make a greater difference for our rural communities at the state rep level. In my JP position I only had the opportunity to impact Yell County. However, at the state rep level I can find ways to make a larger difference within our communities and build bridges between them that they may benefit together. In order to do that, I believe we must tackle the greatest issue our district faces: the lack of economic development. I would love to see current small businesses in our district thrive and new businesses pop up.

Thompson:
I am seeking to serve as a state representative at this point in my life because I believe now is the right time to give back to the community that has given so much to my family and me. As a husband, father, and lifelong Arkansan, I am invested in the future of our district and want to help ensure strong schools, safe communities, and good local jobs. After listening to families, farmers, and small business owners, I believe the most important issue facing our district is affordability. Rising costs for groceries, utilities, housing, and healthcare are hurting working families. I am committed to fighting for responsible government, economic growth, and practical solutions that put people first.

Jones:
I believe I have the time and maturity to serve as a strong voice for our district. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed including education, health care, funding for senior centers, property taxes and reducing government and red tape.

In your view, what is the primary responsibility of a state representative, and how should voters measure effectiveness in this role? (75 words maximum)

Crystal Malloy:
The primary responsibility of a state representative is to represent their district faithfully while upholding constitutional principles and responsible governance. Voters should measure effectiveness by whether a representative listens to constituents, asks tough questions, communicates clearly, and votes with long-term consequences in mind. Effective representation is not about political loyalty, but about protecting opportunity, transparency, and the interests of the people who live and work in the district.

Brent Montgomery:
A state representative is primarily responsible for representing and finding ways to meet the needs of their district. Voters can measure their effectiveness by whether or not the legislation they write or vote for has a positive or negative impact on their communities and how involved in the community the representative is.

Kristain Thompson:
The primary responsibility of a state representative is to be a strong, honest voice for the people they serve by listening to their concerns and representing their values at the State Capitol. This requires studying issues, making informed decisions, and working with others to deliver results. Voters should measure effectiveness through accessibility, accountability, and impact. An effective representative is visible in the community, responsive to constituents, transparent in their decisions, and focused on securing resources, protecting taxpayers, and improving quality of life for the district.

Mike Jones:
The job of state representative is to listen to the people in our district and work to accomplish the changes they would like to see.

If elected, what would be your top legislative priorities during your first year?
(3–5 bullet points, 15–20 words each. Please keep priorities within the authority of the position.)

Describe how you would approach a difficult legislative decision where district interests, state policy, and political pressure may conflict. (100 words maximum)

Crystal Malloy:
When facing a difficult legislative decision, I would start by evaluating the issue through constitutional principles and the long-term impact on my district. I would listen to constituents, consult experts, and weigh how the decision affects opportunity, growth, and local communities. Political pressure should never outweigh sound judgment. If a vote is difficult or unpopular, I believe constituents deserve a clear explanation of my reasoning. Leadership requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to stand firm when necessary.

Brent Montgomery:
If elected, I will have been given the opportunity to represent the residents of my district. So, I will vote with their best interests in mind regardless of exterior influences.

Kristain Thompson:
When facing a difficult legislative decision, I would start by listening carefully to the people I represent and understanding how the issue affects families, businesses, and communities in our district. I would study the facts, consult experts, and consider both the short-term and long-term impact on our region and the state. While political pressure is real, it should never outweigh what is best for the people I serve. I believe in making decisions based on principle, common sense, and sound judgment not headlines or partisan politics. I would be transparent with constituents, explain my reasoning, and remain accountable for my vote. My goal is always to pursue practical solutions that balance local needs with responsible statewide policy.

Mike Jones:
As State Representative you must always put your constituents needs first.

How have you been involved in your district or community, and how does that involvement inform how you would represent Scott County? (75 words maximum)

Crystal Malloy:
I am actively involved in my community through service on the Dardanelle City Council, as a former board member of the local Chamber of Commerce, and through small business leadership. I am also a new member of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. Working closely with families, business owners, and community organizations keeps me connected to the real challenges people face and grounds my approach to representation in practical realities.

Brent Montgomery:
I have coached my son’s basketball, football, and baseball teams for years and my business has sponsored several sports teams, given to charities, and just all around always helped when asked. I also serve on the peewee basketball committee. I have been an active member of my church for decades now where I serve in the youth ministry, as a Sunday school teacher, and on the board of directors. I have been a volunteer firefighter for 20 years. I also serve on the Yell County fair board helping with agriculture throughout Yell County. This has given me insight into our rural communities that is only amplified by my relationships built through sale barn days buying and selling cattle for our little farm.

Kristain Thompson:
I have been actively involved in our community through my work at Arkansas Tech University, including serving two terms as Staff Senate President, where I represented employees and helped solve problems. I have also partnered with local businesses, schools, and civic organizations through fundraising and community initiatives. Beyond my professional role, I stay engaged in local events, church, and youth activities across District. This involvement keeps me connected to the people I serve and ensures I represent our district with understanding, accessibility, and a focus on practical solutions.

Mike Jones:
Over the last several years I have been very involved with many organizations which has given me an opportunity to have discussions about what people see as problems and how they would like them addressed.

How would you describe your leadership and communication style, especially when handling disagreement or criticism from constituents? (75 words maximum)

Crystal Malloy:
My leadership style is thoughtful, approachable, and solutions-focused. I value respectful communication and believe disagreement can lead to better outcomes when handled with honesty and clarity. I listen carefully, explain my reasoning openly, and remain steady under criticism. I believe trust is built through consistency, transparency, and follow-through, especially when decisions are difficult.

Brent Montgomery:
I like to view leadership as a team effort where I am the one who is leading the team, not giving them orders from the sideline. I like to communicate clearly and timely so that we can all effectively do our part. This means that criticism is weighed against the vision and mission of my term and responded to accordingly.

Kristain Thompson:
I would describe my leadership and communication style as open, respectful, and focused on solutions. I believe in listening first, understanding different perspectives, and treating everyone with dignity, even when we disagree. Building trust through honesty and follow-through is important to me. When facing criticism, I take it seriously and respond directly and respectfully. I explain my reasoning clearly, welcome feedback, and focus on finding common ground and practical solutions that best serve our district.

Mike Jones:
I believe I am approachable and have shown I will always listen. We must return to honest conversations that allow a frank exchange of ideas and opinions. There is never one right answer.

How should constituents engage with your office, and how will you ensure transparency in your votes and decision-making? (50 words maximum)

Crystal Malloy:
Constituents should engage with my office through calls, email, public meetings, and community events. I will prioritize accessibility and clear communication. Transparency will be maintained by explaining votes, sharing legislative updates, and remaining engaged with the district year-round.

Brent Montgomery:
Constituents are welcome to call or email me any time to discuss policies and legislation or other community needs. I was involved with the community before the election and will continue to be so that I can be familiar with the voice of my constituents.

Kristain Thompson:
Constituents should feel comfortable contacting my office by phone, email, in person, and through social media. I will use social media to engage voters, share updates, and post plain-English explanation videos about key issues and votes. Transparency, accessibility, and education will guide my work so everyone understands how and why decisions are made.

Mike Jones:
I plan on having weekly coffee meetings during the Legislative session in the district so people will have an opportunity to know what issues are being discussed. I will always be open about my voting record.

Is there anything else voters should understand about your approach to representation and public service? (25 words maximum)

Crystal Malloy:
Voters should know I approach public service with humility, strong principles, and a deep commitment to families, opportunity, and the future of our communities.

Brent Montgomery:
I truly believe God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve this district and plan to do all I can to impactfully serve our communities.

Kristain Thompson:
I believe in servant leadership, putting people over politics, staying accessible, listening first, and working every day with integrity, faith, and common sense to serve Scott County.

Mike Jones:
I believe it is an honor to be allowed to serve as State Representative and I will always listen and treat everyone with respect.