LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Nuclear engineer and ordained minister Chris Jones has won the Democratic nomination for governor in Arkansas as he mounts an uphill bid for the extremely red state's top office.
FOLLOW LIVE: 2022 Arkansas Primary Election Results
Jones defeated four rivals in Tuesday's primary, winning the majority needed to claim the nomination without a runoff. He'll face Republican Sarah Sanders and Libertarian nominee Ricky Dale Harrington in the November election.
Jones is among dozens of Black Democrats running for office in areas that former President Donald Trump won. Arkansas has never elected an African American to statewide or federal office before.
He launched his campaign last year with an online video last year that quickly went viral. In the video, Jones talked about his faith, love of science and his family's history in the state.
Jones is running to succeed Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection and is considering running for president in 2024.