Arkansas Senate Narrowly Confirms Former Sanders Staffer to Board of Corrections

Appointment of Jamie Barker draws opposition from several Republican lawmakers over his role in governor's prison plan

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:20pm

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The Arkansas Senate confirmed Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' former deputy chief of staff, Jamie Barker, to the state Board of Corrections on Friday, with a narrow 19-11 vote. Several GOP lawmakers opposed Barker's appointment over his role in the governor's push for a 3,000-bed prison project that has faced resistance in the legislature.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Barker, who now works as a lobbyist, to the Board of Corrections highlights the ongoing tensions between the governor and some Republican lawmakers over the prison plan. The board has clashed with Sanders over who has authority over the state's prison system.

The details

Barker, who left Sanders' office last year, was appointed to the seven-member Board of Corrections along with Deputy Secretary of State Nathan Lee. The board then named Barker as its chairman. Several Republican senators argued that Barker was not qualified to serve on the board and expressed concerns about potential ethical issues due to his previous work for the governor. The $750 million appropriation to build the new prison failed to pass the legislature five times last year.

  • The Arkansas Senate confirmed Barker's appointment on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Barker was appointed to the Board of Corrections by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in December 2025.

The players

Jamie Barker

A former deputy chief of staff for Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders who was confirmed to the Arkansas Board of Corrections. Barker now works as a lobbyist for the Gilmore Davis Strategy Group.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The Republican governor of Arkansas who appointed Barker and Deputy Secretary of State Nathan Lee to the Board of Corrections, securing a majority of four appointees on the seven-member board.

Nathan Lee

The Deputy Secretary of State who was also appointed by Gov. Sanders to the Arkansas Board of Corrections.

Brad Simon

A newly sworn-in Republican state senator who made opposing Barker's appointment his first act as a lawmaker, citing concerns about a lack of government transparency and politics interfering with governing boards.

Clarke Tucker

A Democratic state senator who voted to confirm Barker, saying he has worked with him on criminal justice reform efforts and believes it's important for the legislature to have working relationships with Board of Corrections members.

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What they’re saying

“This appointment does not only add fuel to the fire. It validates those concerns.”

— Brad Simon, Republican State Senator

“Jamie and I don't always agree, but he's always been professional and we've always worked well together.”

— Clarke Tucker, Democratic State Senator

What’s next

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The takeaway

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