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Steve Womack

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For the reality show contestant Stephen Bradley Womack, see Brad Womack.

Steve Womack
Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee
In office
January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021
Preceded byJohn Yarmuth
Succeeded byJason Smith
Chair of the House Budget Committee
In office
January 11, 2018 – January 3, 2019
Preceded byDiane Black
Succeeded byJohn Yarmuth
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Arkansas's 3rd district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded byJohn Boozman
Mayor of Rogers, Arkansas
In office
January 1, 1999 – January 3, 2011
Preceded byJohn Sampier
Succeeded byGreg Hines
Personal details
Born
Stephen Allen Womack

(1957-02-18) February 18, 1957 (age 67)
Russellville, Arkansas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseTerri Williams
Children3
EducationArkansas Tech University (BA)
WebsiteHouse website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1979–2009
Rank Colonel
UnitArkansas Army National Guard
AwardsLegion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Steve Womack's voice
Womack opens a House Budget Committee hearing on the FY2019 federal budget
Recorded February 14, 2018

Stephen Allen Womack[1] (/ˈwoʊmæk/ WOH-mack; born February 18, 1957) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district since 2011. The district, which was once represented by former Senator J. William Fulbright, covers much of northwestern Arkansas, including Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Womack's hometown of Rogers. A member of the Republican Party, Womack was mayor of Rogers before his election to Congress.

Womack chaired the House Budget Committee from 2018 to 2019, and was its ranking member from 2019 to 2021.

Early life, education and career before politics

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Steve Womack as an Army National Guard lieutenant colonel in 2002

Womack was born in Russellville, Arkansas. His parents were Elisabeth (née Canerday) and James Womack. Womack graduated from Russellville High School in 1975.[2]

He graduated with a B.A. in communications from Arkansas Tech University in 1979. That same year, his father founded KURM-AM. Womack served as station manager. Also in 1979, he enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard.[2]

He left the radio station in 1990 and became executive officer for the Arkansas Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He left that role in 1996. He then became a financial consultant for Merrill Lynch, while still serving in the national guard.[2] He retired from the national guard in 2009 as a colonel.[2][3]

Entry into politics

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In 1998, Womack was elected mayor of Rogers, Arkansas, holding the post for 12 years.[4] During his mayoralty, Womack sought to crack down on illegal immigration by assigning two Immigration and Naturalization Service agents to the Rogers Police Department.[5] As a result, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a class-action suit against the city's police force, accusing it of racial profiling.[6]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2010

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See also: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

In late 2009, Womack jumped into the race for the 3rd District after incumbent Representative John Boozman announced that he would run for the United States Senate. The 3rd is one of the most Republican districts in the South and the nation (Republicans have held it since 1967), and it was generally believed that whoever won the Republican primary would be the district's next representative. Womack ranked first in the seven-candidate primary with 31% of the vote.[7] In the June runoff, he defeated state Senator and fellow Rogers resident Cecile Bledsoe, 52%-48%.[8]

In the general election, Womack defeated Democratic nominee David Whitaker, 72%-28%.[9]

2012

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See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack was originally set to face veteran Ken Aden in his reelection bid, but Aden withdrew from the race on July 8, after admitting to exaggerating his military record. As it was too late to select a replacement candidate for Aden (under Arkansas law, the Democratic Party could only name a replacement at that date if the original candidate died, moved out of the district or opted to seek another office), Womack faced no major-party opposition in November.[10] He was reelected with 76% of the vote, defeating Rebekah Kennedy (Green Party of the United States, 16%) and David Pangrac (Libertarian Party (United States), 8%).[11]

2014

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See also: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Thomas Brewer, a math teacher and minister, originally announced he was challenging Womack for the Republican nomination,[12] and Troy Gittings, a high school English teacher and stand-up comedian, had announced he was running for the Democratic nomination.[12] But neither Brewer nor Gittings ended up filing, leaving Libertarian Grant Brand as Womack's only challenger.[13] He was reelected with 79% of the vote to Brand's 21%.[14]

2016

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See also: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack again faced no Democratic candidate in the general election. He defeated Libertarian Steve Isaacson 77%-23%.[15]

2018

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See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack faced a Republican primary challenge from Robb Ryerse, a self-described "progressive Republican."[16] He defeated Ryerse, 84%-16%.[17]

In the general election, Womack faced Democratic opposition for the first time as an incumbent. Womack defeated Josh Mahoney, president of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund and former chairman of the Fayetteville Airport Commission, and Libertarian Michael Kalagias, on election day, 65%-33%-2%, his smallest margin of victory to date.[18]

2020

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See also: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack did not face a challenge in the Republican primary, and he defeated the Democratic nominee, nurse practitioner Celeste Williams, and Kalagias, 64%-32%-4%.[19]

2022

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See also: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack won reelection against Democratic nominee, Lauren Mallett-Hays, and Kalagias, with 63.7% to 32.9% and 3.4%.[20]

2024

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See also: 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas § District 3

Womack faced a primary challenge from state senator Clint Penzo. Womack narrowly defeated Penzo, receiving 54%.

Tenure

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Womack during the 112th Congress

In 2010, Womack signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity promising to vote against any global warming legislation that would raise taxes.[21]

Womack was a member of the House Appropriations Committee when in 2014[22] lawmakers inserted a prohibition into an appropriations bill that would prevent USDA staff from working on finishing regulations related to the meat industry.[23]

In a 2015 episode of his show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, John Oliver criticized Womack for blocking the enforcement of laws proposed by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration that were designed to protect chicken farmers from being threatened or punished by the companies they work for if they spoke out regarding their farming experiences.[24]

In 2015, Womack condemned the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that same-sex marriage bans violated the constitution.[25]

In December 2017, Womack voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.[26][27][28]

Womack did not join the majority of Republican members of Congress who signed an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election. Womack voted to certify both Arizona's and Pennsylvania's results in the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count. On May 19, 2021, Womack was one of 35 Republicans to join all 217 Democrats present in voting to approve legislation to establish the January 6 commission meant to investigate the storming of the U.S. Capitol.[29][30][31]

On November 30, Womack voted in favor of H.R. 550: Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021. The bill helps create confidential, population-based databases that maintain a record of vaccine administrations.[32]

As of October 2021, Womack had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 15% of the time.[33]

In 2022, Womack was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.[34][35]

A staunch Kevin McCarthy ally, in the October 2023 Speaker of the House election, Womack along with over 20 of his Republican colleagues voted for Steve Scalise in protest over Jim Jordan for the first three ballots before voting for Mike Johnson in the fourth and final ballot.[36]

Committee assignments

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For the 118th Congress:[37]

Caucus memberships

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Political positions

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Abortion

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When Roe v. Wade was overturned, Womack declared "life wins", saying, "This decision rightfully restores the American people's ability to protect babies and recognizes the science-backed truths of the humanity of the unborn."[40]

Personal life

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Womack attends Cross Church Pinnacle Hills, a Southern Baptist church in Rogers, Arkansas.[41] He and his wife, Terri, have been married since August 4, 1984. They have three sons and three grandsons. The couple live in Rogers.[2][42]

Electoral history

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Year Office District Democratic Republican Libertarian Other
2010 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district David Whitaker 27.56% Steve Womack 72.44%
2012 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Steve Womack 75.9% David Pangrac 8.09% Rebekah Kennedy (G) 16.01%
2014 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Steve Womack 79.41% Grant Brand 20.59%
2016 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Steve Womack 77.31% Steve Isaacson 22.69%
2018 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Joshua Mahony 32.65% Steve Womack 64.78% Michael Kalagias 2.57%
2020 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Celeste Williams 31.81% Steve Womack 64.31% Michael Kalagias 3.88%
2022 U.S. House of Representatives Arkansas's 3rd district Lauren Mallett-Hays 32.89% Steve Womack 63.69% Michael Kalagias 3.42%

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Rep. Steve Womack". legistorm.com. LegiStorm. 2011. Archived from the original on 26 September 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Stephen Allen (Steve) Womack (1957–)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas.
  3. ^ "Womack, Steve". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  4. ^ "Steve Womack (R)". Election 2012. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  5. ^ "Arkansas Congressman Criticizes Constituent For Wearing Mexican Flag Shirt". Fox News Latino. September 10, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  6. ^ A Town's Two Faces. Newsweek (2001-06-04). Retrieved on 2011-06-24.
  7. ^ "Our Campaigns - AR District 03 - R Primary Race - May 18, 2010". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns - AR District 03 - R Runoff Race - Jun 08, 2010". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  9. ^ "Our Campaigns - AR - District 03 Race - Nov 02, 2010". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  10. ^ Brantley, Max (July 9, 2012). "Ken Aden dropping out of 3rd District congressional race". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
  11. ^ "Our Campaigns - AR - District 03 Race - Nov 06, 2012". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  12. ^ a b Bowden, Bill (October 15, 2013). "Teachers join race to unseat Womack". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  13. ^ Moritz, Rob (March 3, 2014). "Election 2014: Filing In Arkansas Ends With 412 Candidates". Southwest Times Record. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  14. ^ "NOVEMBER 4, 2014 ARKANSAS GENERAL ELECTION AND NONPARTISAN RUNOFF ELECTION". Arkansas Secretary of State Website. November 4, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  15. ^ "Election Results". Secretary of State of Arkansas. 2016. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  16. ^ Jilani, Zaid (May 19, 2017). "MEET THE PASTOR RUNNING AS A PROGRESSIVE REPUBLICAN TO GET BIG MONEY OUT OF POLITICS". The Intercept. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  17. ^ "Election Night Reporting". Arkansas Secretary of State Website. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  18. ^ "2018 General Election and Nonpartisan Judicial Runoff". Arkansas Secretary of State Website. November 6, 2018. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  19. ^ "2020 General Election and Nonpartisan Judicial Runoff". Arkansas Secretary of State Website. November 3, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  20. ^ "Arkansas Third Congressional District Election Results". The New York Times. November 8, 2022. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  21. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. ^ "What is the "GIPSA Rider" and why is the House once again attacking farmers' rights?". sustainableagriculture.net. June 17, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  23. ^ Arnsdorf, Isaac (June 5, 2019). "Chicken farmers thought Trump was going to help them, but his administration did the opposite". msn.com. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  24. ^ Haas, Nathaniel (June 1, 2015). "John Oliver vs. chicken". Politico. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  25. ^ "Womack Response to Obergefell v. Hodges". Internal | Congressman Steve Womack. June 26, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  26. ^ Almukhtar, Sarah (December 19, 2017). "How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  27. ^ Kamper, Deni (December 21, 2017). "What You Should Know About the New Tax Plan". NWAHOMEPAGE. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  28. ^ "Senate OKs tax bill; House revote set". Northwest Arkansas Democratic Gazette. December 20, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  29. ^ LeBlanc, Paul (May 19, 2021). "Here are the 35 House Republicans who voted for the January 6 commission". CNN. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  30. ^ Roll Call 154 Bill Number: H. R. 3233 117th Congress, 1st Session, United States House of Representatives, May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  31. ^ How Republicans voted on a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Washington Post, May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  32. ^ "H.R. 550: Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021 -- House Vote #388 -- Nov 30, 2021".
  33. ^ Bycoffe, Anna Wiederkehr and Aaron (October 22, 2021). "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  34. ^ "House passes antitrust bill that hikes M&A fees as larger efforts targeting tech have stalled". CNBC. September 29, 2022.
  35. ^ "H.R. 3843: Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 -- House Vote #460 -- Sep 29, 2022".
  36. ^ Gamio, Lazaro; Gómez, Martín González; Migliozzi, Blacki; Murphy, John-Michael; Shao, Elena; Wu, Ashley; Zhang, Christine (October 17, 2023). "Vote Count: Mike Johnson Elected House Speaker After Three-Week Vacancy". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  37. ^ "Steve Womack". Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  38. ^ "Our Members". U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  39. ^ "The Tuesday Group Still Lives". National Review. June 20, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  40. ^ Webb, Jack A. (June 24, 2022). "Arkansas lawmakers praise Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade". KATV. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  41. ^ "Ten Southern Baptists sworn in as new reps". bpnews.net. Baptist Press. 5 January 2011. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2019. Here is information on the new House members who have been confirmed to be members of Southern Baptist churches. Arkansas: Rep. Rick Crawford, First District, Nettleton Baptist Church, Jonesboro; Rep. Tim Griffin, Second District, Immanuel BC, Little Rock.; Rep. Steve Womack, Third District, Cross Church Pinnacle Hills, Rogers.
  42. ^ "BIOGRAPHY". Congressman Steve Womack Website. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steve Womack.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Arkansas's 3rd congressional district
2011–present 		Incumbent
Preceded by Chair of the House Budget Committee
2018–2019 		Succeeded by
New office Chair of the Joint Budget and Appropriations Reform Committee
2018–2019 		Position abolished
Preceded by Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee
2019–2021 		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
112th 		Succeeded by
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