Governor Sarah Sanders has announced several key appointments, including Cole Jester as the new Secretary of State and Justices Cody Hiland and Nicholas Bronni to fill vacancies on the Arkansas Supreme Court. These appointments are set to take effect in January.
Cole Jester, currently the deputy chief legal counsel for Sanders, will succeed John Thurston as Secretary of State. Thurston will transition to the role of State Treasurer next month. Governor Sanders highlighted Jester’s legal expertise and commitment to election integrity as the basis for his selection. Jester expressed his gratitude for the appointment and pledged to work towards enhancing election security and public service in the state.
Shifting focus to the judicial branch, two vacancies on the Arkansas Supreme Court arose due to the election of Chief Justice-elect Karen Baker and Justice Courtney Hudson to new positions. These vacancies paved the way for Governor Sanders to name two new justices.
Justice Cody Hiland, who was already serving on the court in an expiring term, has been reappointed to one of the vacant seats, filling the seat of Justice Hudson. In addition, Nicholas Bronni, who is currently serving as Arkansas Solicitor General, will fill the vacancy left by Justice Baker. Governor Sanders underscored the qualifications of both appointees, emphasizing their commitment to the state’s constitution. Both Hiland and Bronni expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Arkansas.
These appointments are expected to bring stability and a continued conservative perspective to the state’s highest court. The newly appointed officials are scheduled to assume their respective positions in January, marking a significant transition within Arkansas' executive and judicial branches.
