James Russell

D

James Russell is the Democratic nominee for Arkansas's 4th Congressional District. He is a business owner who has worked in statewide mental healthcare since 2014, and describes deep family ties to Arkansas farming going back to the 1860s.[3]

Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.

Positions on the issues

  • MixedLoosen zoning rules to build more housing

    Campaign platform calls for restricting large corporate purchases of homes and helping renters qualify for mortgages, rather than broad deregulation of zoning.[4]

    “We need to stop big companies from buying up homes and raising rent too high. We should also count rent payments when people apply for a mortgage, so more folks can buy a home.”
  • SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations

    Campaign platform proposes a small tax on the wealthiest 0.1% to help fund efforts to end homelessness.[4]

    “By adding a small tax on the super-rich—the top 0.1%—we can help end homelessness for good.”
  • SupportsFaster transition away from fossil fuels

    Campaign platform calls for investing in a clean-energy future using multiple sources and protecting natural resources from industrial pollution.[4]

    “We need to invest in a clean energy future that uses multiple sources to stay safe and strong.”

In their words — priorities

  • Says leaders should listen to and be accountable to the people rather than to money and power, and calls for following the Constitution.[3][4]
  • Supports equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender, income, or background, including fair pay and bodily autonomy.[4]
  • Wants to address the housing crisis by curbing large investors' home purchases and letting renters' payment history count toward mortgage qualification.[4]

Background

  • Graduated from Captain Shreve High School; earned two bachelor's degrees from the University of Central Arkansas (2012 and 2021).[3]
  • Served in the U.S. Army National Guard in 1996.[3]
  • Has provided statewide mental healthcare services since 2014; his family has farmed in Lafayette County, Arkansas since the 1860s.[3]

Campaign money

Raised $5,853 · spent $5,628 · $907 cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗

Also on the ballot for this seat: Bruce Westerman · Compare side by side

Sources cited in this profile

  1. 3.James Russell (Arkansas) · Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey Candidate's own words
  2. 4.James Russell's campaign website (quoted via Ballotpedia) · James Russell campaign website · 2026-01-16 Candidate's own words