Bruce Westerman has been serving as the U.S. Representative for Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District since 2015. His time in Congress shows a strong commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing natural resources, economic development, and social issues. This profile provides an overview of his recent election victory, career path, legislative initiatives, policy positions, and other relevant information for voters.
2024 Election Victory
In the general election held on November 5, 2024, Westerman was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District. He defeated his Democratic challenger, Risie Howard, an attorney from Pine Bluff. Westerman received approximately 72.9% of the vote, while Howard garnered about 27.1%. This decisive victory highlights Westerman’s strong support within the district.
Career Path to Congress
Bruce Westerman’s professional journey is grounded in engineering and forestry. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1990, followed by a Master of Forestry from Yale University in 2001. Before entering politics, Westerman served as a plant engineer at Riceland Foods and later worked as an engineer and forester for Mid-South Engineering Company.
His political career began at the local level when he served on the Fountain Lake School Board from 2006 to 2010. He was then elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he served from 2010 to 2014 and held the position of House Majority Leader. In 2014, Westerman was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding Tom Cotton.
Sponsored Legislation
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Westerman has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills, particularly focusing on natural resources and forestry management. Notably, in 2017, he introduced the Resilient Federal Forests Act, aiming to improve forest management practices to reduce the risk of wildfires. Although the bill passed the House, it did not become law.
As of the 119th Congress (2025-2026), Westerman has sponsored 24 pieces of legislation, reflecting his ongoing commitment to issues pertinent to his district and expertise.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Westerman aligns with conservative positions on various social issues:
- Same-Sex Marriage: In 2015, he co-sponsored a resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, reflecting his opposition to its legalization.
- Abortion: He has consistently voted in favor of pro-life legislation. For instance, on January 23, 2025, he voted “Yea” on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which mandates medical care for infants who survive abortion attempts.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
Westerman’s economic policy positions emphasize fiscal conservatism and support for business interests:
- Tax Policy: He voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, supporting significant tax reductions for individuals and corporations.
- Budget and Spending: He has advocated for balanced budgets and reduced government spending, aligning with his fiscally conservative principles.
Demographics of the 4th Congressional District
Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District encompasses a diverse population across southern and western parts of the state. As of the latest available data, the district has a population of approximately 710,000 residents. The demographic composition is as follows:
- Race and Ethnicity:
- White: Approximately 70%
- Black or African American: Approximately 24%
- Hispanic or Latino: Approximately 4%
- Other races: Approximately 2%
- Age:
- Under 18: Approximately 23%
- 18-64: Approximately 60%
- 65 and over: Approximately 17%
- Education:
- High school diploma or higher: Approximately 85%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: Approximately 20%
- Income:
- Median household income: Approximately $40,000
- Persons below the poverty line: Approximately 20%
These demographics highlight the district’s diversity and economic challenges, factors that influence Westerman’s policy priorities.
Controversial Statements
Throughout his political career, Westerman has made statements that have sparked debate:
- 2020 Election: In December 2020, Westerman was among 126 Republican members of the House who supported an amicus brief in the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit, which sought to challenge the 2020 presidential election results. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case, citing a lack of standing.
- January 6th Capitol Riot: During the January 6th, 2021, Capitol riot, Westerman was reported to have taken a Civil War sword from a display in House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s office for protection and hid from rioters, an action that drew media attention.
