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Arkansas Legislature Has One Fewer Republican

Nate Bell has dropped the Republican Party and is now an independent.

State Rep. Nate Bell, R-Mena, has dropped his affiliation with the Republican Party and is now an independent. Bell changed his voter registration on Monday, according to the Polk County clerk’s office. The county does not provide “independent” as an option for political affiliation, so Bell changed his to “optional” but told the clerk’s office staff he wished to be an independent.

Bell, who did not immediately return a call Tuesday seeking comment, has served in the House since 2011. He has said he will not seek to return to the Legislature after next year.

The change means the House is now composed of 63 Republicans, 36 Democrats and one independent.

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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