Joshua Irby

Joshua Irby was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Irby's career experience includes working as a security professional. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2008 to 2009.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Joshua Irby—a first-generation Arkansan raised in Little Rock and Ferndale—and I’m running to represent District 16 in the Arkansas Senate with a vision rooted in unity, civic responsibility, and community-first leadership.

As a civic nationalist and centrist, I believe a strong society is built not on partisan divides, but on shared values and active citizenship. Regardless of background, we all share rights—and responsibilities. That’s what builds resilient, respectful communities.

In 2022, my wife and I moved from Little Rock to Bryant. She was raised in the Benton-Bryant area, and we were blessed to build our first home here. From day one, we knew this is where we wanted to plant roots and raise our family.

My family came to Arkansas in the late ’80s. At the time, gang violence in Little Rock was rising, and my father stepped in to serve as principal of a church-funded school that gave kids safety and hope. His courage and compassion shaped my belief in public service.

For over 15 years, I’ve worked in corporate security—starting as a foot patrol officer and working my way up to managing global security intelligence for a Fortune 500 company. My career has been about protection, preparedness, and service—and those same values guide how I lead and how I live.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Joshua Irby is a civic nationalist and centrist running to put people before parties and service above politics. His campaign is rooted in unity, civic responsibility, and community-first leadership—not partisan soundbites. Joshua believes in restoring trust in public service through transparency, practical solutions, and respectful dialogue. He’s committed to representing all Arkansans—not just a base.As a first-generation Arkansan raised in a family devoted to service, Joshua Irby brings 15+ years of experience in corporate security and crisis leadership to the Arkansas Senate. His platform is grounded in Arkansas values—faith, family, hard work, and fairness. He’s focused on local control, common-sense governance, and building a future rooted in personal responsibility and shared opportunity.Joshua Irby is running to raise the standard for leadership. His priorities include securing infrastructure, protecting constitutional freedoms, strengthening education, and ensuring that elections belong to the people—not the parties. He’s not running to tear anyone down—he’s running to build something better. His promise: lead with respect, act with resolve, and pursue renewal for Arkansas—one community at a time.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Joshua Irby is passionate about strengthening local communities, restoring faith in democratic institutions, and ensuring freedom is matched by civic responsibility. His key priorities include:

Local control—empowering communities to make their own decisions;

Education reform—focusing on core academics, civic learning, and career readiness;

Infrastructure investment—modern roads, broadband, water, and energy;

Fair elections—including open primaries, paper ballots, and ending gerrymandering; and

Constitutional rights—especially the First and Second Amendments, balanced with public safety.

His approach is grounded in transparency, accountability, and a deep belief in practical unity through balanced leadership.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up most to my parents, but my grandfathers also deeply shaped who I am. My mother and father didn’t just raise me—they instilled the values I live by every day. My mother, one of the most compassionate people I’ve known, taught me to see all people as children of God, worthy of His love and compassion as they are, to treat everyone with dignity, and to never lose sight of the human impact behind every decision.

My father brought our family to Arkansas in the late 1980s, during a time when Little Rock faced a surge in gang violence. He became principal of a church-funded school offering kids in some of the hardest-hit neighborhoods a safe place to learn, grow, and find hope. He believed deeply in the power of education and the importance of stepping up when there is a challenge. He taught me to pursue truth even when it’s inconvenient and to live with integrity regardless of who’s watching.

From my grandfathers, I learned more lessons that continue to guide me. One reminded me, “You’re always doing one or the other—tearing people down, or building them up.” The other believed in the power of respectful dialogue, especially with those he disagreed with, so he could deepen his own understanding even when views differed fundamentally.

Their examples—compassion, conviction, courage, and the value of dialogue—are the foundation of who I am. They never sought recognition, but they made a difference. That’s the kind of leader I want to be: someone who listens, stands for what’s right, and serves the good of others.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Yes—The American’s Creed by William Tyler Page best reflects my civic nationalist philosophy. It affirms that our unity comes not from blood or party, but from a shared commitment to liberty, justice, and self-government. Those ideals are central to how I view public service.

I also draw inspiration from the Founders and Presidents. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” That spirit of principled disagreement without personal division is vital. Benjamin Franklin warned, “We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” And Abraham Lincoln, in his 1858 “House Divided” speech, reminded us that a nation at odds with itself cannot endure.

These words reflect my core belief: our future depends on what unites us—not what divides us. That’s the heart of civic responsibility and the foundation of a free republic.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, humility, and courage. Elected officials should lead with principle—not polls—and serve with a sense of duty, not entitlement. They must be transparent, grounded in values, and willing to listen more than they speak. Character matters more than charisma, and good leadership starts with keeping your word.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

First and foremost, I am willing to listen and understand. I draw inspiration from the Bible verse, “Let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This reminds me that thoughtful listening is the foundation of effective leadership and respectful dialogue. I believe that true progress comes from embracing a diversity of thought and opinion—only by hearing different perspectives can we find the best solutions. My commitment is to lead with patience, humility, and an open mind to serve all people well.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A state senator’s job is to serve constituents—not special interests or political parties. That means listening, advocating, legislating with care, and protecting both individual liberties and the long-term wellbeing of the state. It’s also about oversight—holding government accountable, stewarding public funds, and ensuring laws reflect both justice and common sense.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be remembered not as a politician, but as a statesman—someone who prioritized the people I served over political agendas or party divisions. My hope is to be known as a bridge-builder who brought people together across differences, fostering unity and respect. I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to listening deeply, serving with integrity, and creating lasting solutions that truly improve lives. Above all, I want to leave behind a record of leadership defined by care for community and a dedication to the common good.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and legislature should function as co-equal branches—distinct, but cooperative. Disagreement is healthy, but dysfunction is not. The best outcomes come when both branches act with mutual respect, constitutional fidelity, and a shared commitment to serve the people over party agendas.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

One of Arkansas’s greatest challenges over the next decade will be preserving unity and civic stability in an increasingly divided nation. I hear it from neighbors all the time—people are worried about how divided we’ve become and what that means for the future, especially for our kids. Many fear we’re raising a generation that lacks even a basic understanding of our history, our Constitution, or the responsibilities of citizenship. That disconnect threatens not just our culture—but the survival of our democratic institutions.

We also face serious practical challenges: preparing our infrastructure for population growth, revitalizing rural communities, making education both rigorous and relevant, and ensuring public safety while protecting constitutional freedoms. But none of these can be effectively addressed if we don’t first rebuild trust—in our leaders, our systems, and each other.

The path forward requires long-term investment in civic education, local decision-making, and policies rooted in shared values, not party lines. Arkansas must lead the way in restoring a spirit of responsibility, participation, and principle—because our future depends on a people who understand what it means to govern themselves.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience can help—but it’s not everything. What matters more is a servant’s heart, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn. I believe we need more leaders from everyday backgrounds—people who understand the real-world effects of legislation.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. Good governance depends on mutual respect and collaboration. Relationships allow us to find common ground, build coalitions, and solve problems together. You don’t have to agree on everything to work together on something.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes—two leaders come to mind: Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, both of whom began their public service in state legislatures before rising to national leadership.

Lincoln, during his time in the Illinois General Assembly, demonstrated humility, moral clarity, and a deep belief in the promise of the Republic. He spoke hard truths—like in his “House Divided” speech—but always with the aim of preserving the Union and renewing our shared national purpose. His leadership reminds me that disagreement is inevitable, but division is not destiny.

Theodore Roosevelt served in the New York State Assembly and built a reputation as a reformer who challenged corruption in both parties. He believed in the strength of the American spirit and the duty of government to serve the public good. Roosevelt’s courage, energy, and independence reflect the kind of principled, civic-minded leadership I believe our state—and our country—needs again.

Together, Lincoln and Roosevelt embody the ideal of leadership rooted not in party loyalty or personal gain, but in service, responsibility, and the enduring promise of American self-government.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

My focus is entirely on serving District 16. I believe in being present where I am, doing the job with excellence, and letting future doors open—or close—on their own.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes—one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had was with a neighbor who shared their deep concern about how divided our country has become. They told me they worry not just about the political noise we all see every day, but about what it means for the next generation. What struck me most was when they said, “Our kids don’t even know what this country is built on anymore.”

That conversation has stayed with me. This neighbor wasn’t speaking out of anger—they were speaking from a place of genuine fear that we are losing something essential: a shared understanding of who we are, what we believe, and what it takes to keep a republic alive. They were concerned that too many young Arkansans are growing up without even the most basic knowledge of our history, our Constitution, or the responsibilities that come with citizenship.

It reminded me why I’m running—and why civic education is so central to my platform. If we want to renew this country, we have to start by renewing our civic foundation. That story wasn’t just about one neighbor’s worry—it was a reflection of what many Arkansans feel deep down. And I believe we have a duty to respond with leadership that informs, unites, and equips the next generation to carry the torch forward.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature must provide oversight. Emergency powers should be temporary, specific, and reviewed regularly. They’re tools—not blank checks. The balance of power must be preserved, especially in crises when accountability matters most.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce is the Civic Education Act—a comprehensive proposal to establish a robust, standards-based civic education curriculum in all Arkansas-accredited government-funded schools, from K–12 through higher education.

This legislation recognizes that a well-informed citizenry is the cornerstone of a healthy republic. Too many students graduate without a clear understanding of our Constitution, the structure of government, or the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The Civic Education Act would ensure all students receive a foundational education in American and Arkansas government, civil liberties, democratic processes, and the role of civic engagement in sustaining our way of life.

What committees interest you?

I’m especially interested in serving on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs, Education, City, County & Local Affairs, and Transportation, Technology & Legislative Affairs. These align with my focus on local control, civic education, infrastructure investment, and government reform.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Both are non-negotiable. I support full financial disclosure for elected officials, rigorous audits of public spending, and open access to legislative records. The people deserve to know how their money is spent and how their leaders vote. Transparency builds trust—and without trust, we cannot govern effectively.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I support repealing the restrictive laws passed in recent years that make it harder for citizens to place initiatives on the ballot. I would consider clearer, fairer standards that prevent abuse—but without undermining access. The initiative process is a constitutional right, not a privilege to be regulated away.