Community organizer and activist Irvin Camacho has announced his candidacy for Arkansas House of Representatives District 89.
Camacho, a Democrat, will lead a campaign based on building better relationships between voters and their elected officials and supporting downtown development and growth.
“I’m running for this seat because I believe in this community,” he said. “Springdale is a beautiful city full of diverse, passionate people with our eyes set on the future. That being said, there are issues and problems that we can’t afford to ignore. Our city is in the middle of a resurgence, but it will all be for naught if we get a reputation as a bad place to live and raise a family. If we do nothing, if we’re just bystanders, nothing ever gets done.”
Camacho is running against Republicans Charles Gaines, who serves as Springdale Planning Commissioner, and Jeff Williams, the former Washington County assessor. Republican Micah S. Neal currently holds the seat, but he has announced his candidacy for Washington County Judge.
After an unprecedented string of shootings this spring, Camacho was inspired to organize a Peace Walk to unite the community against senseless violence and support the families and neighborhoods affected. The message of unity struck a chord with the community, and more than 900 people of all backgrounds came together to participate.
“We have to work harder to get rid of the communication barriers between the people of this district and its leaders and institutions,” he said. “If we want to move Springdale forward, we have to create a climate where everyone feels safe and welcome — a place we can all call home.”
While attending Springdale High School, Camacho got involved in the immigrant rights movement. He became Lead Coordinator for the Arkansas Natural DREAMers after graduating, a position he held for five years. Camacho has collaborated more recently with the United Community Coalition, chairing their iDREAM campaign, and helped organize more than 15 DACA clinics around the state. He is a frequent volunteer for other social justice organizations, and is currently employed as a customer service specialist in the Arvest mortgage department.
“Voters want leaders who share their values and perspective,” he said in a statement. “My story is the same as so many I’ve heard from my friends and neighbors here in Springdale. I was born in California, where my parents worked in the fields. My dad was also an activist, and he taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be. My parents moved us to Northwest Arkansas in search of a safer community and a better education, and it empowered me to follow my dreams. Now I’m a first generation college student, living the American dream.
“I’ve spent my life speaking up for positive change in my city. I can take that advocacy to the next level as a policy maker and amplify the voices of the people in this district who aren’t being heard. For too long, this position has been held by legislators who don’t represent the working families of Springdale, and I’m going to change that. If you see me in your neighborhood over the next year, don’t be surprised. I’m excited to run this race and hear the priorities and concerns of the voters of District 89.”
