Arkansas Senate narrowly confirms former Sanders staffer to Board of Corrections

By: Tess Vrbin

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: March 20, 2026

Words: 801

Last Updated: 15 hours, 14 minutes ago

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The Arkansas Senate confirmed Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ former deputy chief of staff to the state Board of Corrections Friday, with several GOP lawmakers opposing his appointment over his role in the governor’s push for a 3,000-bed prison project.

Two Democrats voted to confirm Jamie Barker, who left Sanders’ office last year and is now a lobbyist, giving him a narrow 19-11 confirmation in the 35-member chamber.

Sanders appointed Barker and Deputy …

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