Cole Jester

The first K9 officer in Arkansas State Capitol Police history is now on duty — another step forward in protecting the Capitol from potential threats while keeping it accessible to the people it belongs to.

Our office always enjoys educating young voters and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. Thanks to the great kids who attended our Young Voter Workshop this year and our incredible staff who helped put on the successful event.

Arkansas’s best days are ahead of it. Today was a small but meaningful symbol that we are not interested in managing a slow decline of our state, city, or our nation. Instead, we are going to build, expand and maintain the good, the true, and the beautiful. The State Capitol’s bronze doors are the birthright of every Arkansan, and I was proud to open them today.

For the first time in 25 years, the State Capitol’s iconic bronze doors will welcome the public again — beginning this Friday from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. What once closed after 9/11 is now reopening thanks to modern security and a renewed commitment to access.

In Arkansas, we believe our government should exist to benefit Arkansans, never foreign governments. Today, we are announcing the Combating Hostile Foreign Influence Rule. It is in effect, and we are accepting reports online. This rule wouldn’t exist if not for the incredible work of Mindy McAlindon and Matt McKee to get legislation to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has fought every single day to protect Arkansans from foreign influence. Working for Governor Sanders to fight China buying our farmland was the honor of a lifetime, and I will carry that spirit into every policy I shape.

Thankful for everyone who’s stepping up to help during this winter storm, but especially our Capitol Police!

Secretary Jester was pleased to unveil the first official 250th anniversary flag in Arkansas, marking the beginning of America’s 250th birthday celebration this year. Freedom isn’t inherited by accident — it’s carried forward by sacrifice. 🇺🇸

2025: A Year of Results for Arkansas. From leading the nation in election security to streamlining business filings, being your Secretary of State for a year has been the honor of a lifetime. We will always push forward for better systems, better security, and better service for the people of Arkansas.

❄️🎄 Don’t forget! Tonight, in partnership with @ARSecofState, #ARLive is sharing streaming coverage of the 87th annual Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony. You can join us for the heartwarming tradition starting at 5 CT here: myarpbs.org/arkansaslive.

Successful day in northwest Arkansas today! Thank you to the Northwest Arkansas Realtors Association for having me as the guest speaker for today’s meeting. My team was also able to stop by our business office in Fayetteville and see the incredible progress they’ve made the last several months to provide quicker service and turnaround times for filings. Always encouraged by my time in this part of the state!

We’ve had a busy first few days of candidate filing at the State Capitol! 📅 Reminder: The candidate filing period will close on November 12 this year, as state offices will be closed November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

➡️ 14 days ➡️ 1 day. That’s how Arkansas does business. Government should never stand in the way of growth. Businesses, not government, will make our state’s economy flourish. That’s why my office cut business filing times from 14 days to just one, over a 90% reduction in wait times. We’re cutting red tape and making Arkansas a truly pro-business state.

I am proud to announce the Charlie Kirk Memorial Exhibit at the Arkansas State Capitol. It starts today and will continue through the end of October. In America, we debate with words, not bullets. This exhibit is about ensuring the message of someone who was assassinated is not silenced, but instead, is shared louder than ever before.

🤝 With Arkansas Secretary of State @ARSecofState and DG Yvonne Hsiao as witnesses, Secretary of Agri. Wes Ward and the Taiwan business representatives announced that Taiwan will purchase U.S. soybeans and corn products over four years, with a total value of $5.56 billion.

Senator Gary Stubblefield was a leader and servant for the state of Arkansas, but more importantly, a good person and man of deep Christian faith. He will be deeply missed here at the Capitol.

Thank you to Arkansas Business for the honor of being named a 20 in Their 20s! I am so thankful for those who have poured into my life, my family, my pastors, my friends, and ultimately the one true God who puts breath in my lungs and faith in my life. Life is good because God is good. You can see the list and read more here: arkansasbusiness.com/article/the-20…

My office is praying for the family of Senator Gary Stubblefield today as they mourn his passing. We’re thankful for his service to the state of Arkansas and ask for your prayers for his family.

“In Arkansas, election security comes first. Intentional violations of election law should always be met with criminal charges," said Secretary of State Cole Jester. "We have an attorney general who enforces the rule of law, and I am deeply thankful for his actions in this case. I am proud to chair the State Board of Election Commissioners, and I am proud we swiftly referred this case for criminal investigation.”

Happy Independence Day from the men and women of the Arkansas Capitol! We are thankful to serve you every day.

Enjoyed speaking with the Air Force JROTC yesterday here at the Capitol. Encouraged by their leadership course and the bright futures ahead of each student!