Ethan N Dunbar Sr.

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Ethan Dunbar completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dunbar's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading-bio-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy name is Ethan N. Dunbar. I am a dedicated follower of Christ and a resident of Lewisville, Arkansas. I am also a veteran of the Army and the current mayor of Lewisville. I am a man of faith, guided by a divine calling to pursue justice and equality while living as a faithful Christian. My goal is to serve my community as an extension of my faith.\r\n<p>I believe that we need to transform the core of our political process. Leaders should lead with respect—respect for everyone’s humanity, respect for opinions different from ours, respect for each person’s dignity and self-worth, and respect for individual freedoms. In this spirit, we can build stronger relationships that enhance our quality of life and address specific needs in Arkansas. Blaming a party, group, or individual only widens the divide. We must rise above this tendency and focus on the character of the leaders we elect. \r\n</p>\nI am a 33-year retired Army Veteran. I reached the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major. I learned to follow first and then to lead early in my career. I led leaders and taught them how to lead. I served as a leader in combat for 42 months. Currently, I serve as the mayor of my small town, I serve as the Chairman of the Arkansas Black Mayors’ Association since October 2022. I am an active member of the Arkansas Lions Club, former District Governor of District 7L, past president of the Stamps Rotary Club. I am also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Masonic Order.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading-key-message-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>1.\tRestore civility and integrity to political dialogue.\r\nThrough this campaign, I hope to inspire hope in humanity. As our national and state demographics evolve, so must our perspective on how to best coexist within our governing principles— the U.S. Constitution and our respective State Constitutions. Our democracy depends on how our elected leaders represent our shared experiences, respect our differences, and focus on the common interests of all constituents. We must restore civility to our political conversations.</li><li>2.\tHold elected leaders accountable.\r\nThe combined efforts of our people create the standard of living we enjoy in the United States. We, the citizens, must serve as guardians of this system and our democracy, and the leaders we select should show genuine respect for every individual. Hard work, along with courageous, strong, and ethical leadership, combined with fundamental dignity and respect for all, has largely helped our nation become the leader of the free world. Any erosion of these principles and standards by elected officials weakens the collective efforts of citizens and must be addressed.</li><li>3.\tFight for the dignity of hardworking, play-by-the-rules Arkansans.\r\n\r\nHere in Arkansas, we work with our hands. 97% of the roughly 50,000 farms are family-owned, so we must protect our agricultural well-being. The economic impact of Arkansas farmers on the state is about 8.5% of its GDP and provides numerous jobs. During these times of high inflation and wage instability, Arkansans also need to be concerned about rising healthcare costs and the threat of losing access to safety net healthcare for our most vulnerable citizens. We must stop allowing personal outrage in politics to blindly influence our actions toward the vulnerable and hardworking citizens. We are much better than this.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading1-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAgriculture, education, employment, healthcare, and justice are core issues. These are personal livelihood concerns that our elected officials should be aware of and actively work to find the best outcomes for everyone. We cannot continue engaging in disagreements that lead our leaders to devalue others’ opinions and needs, nor make policy decisions that impact everyone without considering or caring about their effects. Humanity must guide our way.<br/>\r\nI am passionate about finding or creating ways to discover common ground that previously did not exist, to bring people together. I am dedicated to challenging the illusions of our current political leaders and focusing on reshaping the political process toward shared decency and good values.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading2-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. They led by example and demonstrated what it means to recognize the humanity and value of all people. Their example helps me to feel and display a deep regard for others simply because they are human.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading3-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLoyalty. Duty. Respect. Selfless Service. Honor. Integrity. Personal Courage. (These are the seven Army Values that Soldiers are required to know, recite, and live.)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading4-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI truly believe that to genuinely understand how to serve the residents of Arkansas and the state as a whole, we need to listen, respect, and understand the lived experiences of the constituents we represent. I live in Arkansas, and I face these responsibilities daily as the mayor of a small, rural town. I want the entire focus and power of the United States Senate office to be on the needs of Arkansas, not personal ambition. Our prime directive, our core responsibility as elected leaders, must be to serve the best interests of the residents of Arkansas - and that requires listening and regular visits to each part of the state while in office. I believe that transparency and accountability are key responsibilities of elected office.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading5-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIf there is a legacy to leave, I want mine to be that I am a true believer and follower of Christ. Through my faith, I utilized my knowledge, skills, and abilities to enhance the quality of life for Arkansans, create growth opportunities for the state, and demonstrate Christian behavior in representing the needs of my constituents. Most importantly, I want to change the heart and soul of the political process by respecting our differences while working hard to help others, treating everyone with dignity and respect.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading6-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI vividly remember the attempted assassination of President Reagan in 1981. I was 16.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading7-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was chopping cotton plants, specifically thinning the rows of cotton plants to remove weeds that inhibited growth. I earned $10 a day and worked from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer of my freshman year of high school. I worked that job for roughly one month.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading8-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Bible. We are living in a time of spiritual darkness. Moral absolutes are becoming ambiguous. The Bible provides guidance on how to navigate these times. It serves as a source of inspiration, wisdom, instruction, and direction. The principles in the Bible are timeless and remind us that life isn’t just about ourselves, but about how we treat each other.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading9-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEli from the movie “The Book of Eli.”\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading10-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI sincerely believe that defending our democracy will be a challenge for our nation. It appears that political power is being sought for the benefit of a specific group or individual. Our Declaration of Independence was made specifically to oppose such conditions. We must uphold the founding documents of this country and ensure that the rights guaranteed to every citizen are protected in line with the vision of the founders. <br/><br/>\n<p>To achieve this, we must elect leaders who genuinely respect the opinions and perspectives of those they serve. We need to select selfless leaders who understand that their roles are not about personal gain or ambitions but about protecting the unalienable rights of every citizen. This requires each voter to first reflect on themselves and then carefully consider the candidates they support. I believe that our democracy heavily depends on who we choose to elect.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nWe must restore peace, order, and compassion to our political process.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading11-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Constitution requires a Senator to be at least 30 years old when sworn in. I believe it is reasonable to establish an upper age limit for eligibility and retirement, mainly to assure cognitive reasoning related to age and to promote fair competition for a Senate seat. However, between age 30 and retirement, I see no reason to impose additional restrictions.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading12-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Senate is a small deliberative institution, but an extremely powerful force in our Nation's government. The senators elected are two from each state, regardless of the state's size or population, as a body of equals. This body adds a balance to the House of Representatives, where population and popular vote are considered. The Senate has the mission to provide advice and consent to the President on nominations, including judicial nominations, and to conduct budget reconciliation. The Senate also has the express authority to serve as a court for impeachment. These are unique qualities of our Senate and senators.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading13-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. It is helpful, but not essential. I believe that anyone elected to serve others must have good character and act with integrity. They must put constituent needs above their own goals and aspirations.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading14-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you think of the filibuster?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think the filibuster, despite its history, is marginally effective today. Although it was intended to promote compromise and a voice to the minority party, in recent times, it has served more as a deterrent and obstruction to the deliberative process, from both parties. I would be open to discussing the continued use of it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading15-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow would you evaluate a judicial nominee?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOn their merits and qualifications.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading16-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat kind of relationships would you build with other senators?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI aim to build mutually respectful relationships with all members of Congress. I believe in the importance and power of respect, as well as the value of compromise in certain cases.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading17-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading18-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFairly, objectively, and without fear or favor.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading19-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity, competency, leader humility, character, and ethical disposition.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading20-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is an accomplishment that you are proud of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThere are several, but in August 2023, I received my PhD in Interdisciplinary Leadership from the University of Central Arkansas. My dissertation examined the concept of ethical leadership among elected officials. I am uniquely qualified for this role. I am deeply committed to creating opportunities in Arkansas that will improve our overall well-being and enhance our competitiveness in agriculture on a global scale.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading21-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI think that the government should have a regulatory oversight role in the development of this powerful, emerging technology. I don't believe that we know or understand enough about this phenomenon to leave it to private leaders who may only be financially motivated. We need to take all factors into consideration, including long-term detrimental effects on all aspects of life in our country and the world more broadly.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-361486-2025-09-21\" id=\"heading22-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-361486-2025-09-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-361486-2025-09-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-361486-2025-09-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOur Constitution gives full faith and credit to the States in broad areas, including state elections. The Electoral College has been under scrutiny, but I would be open to hearing alternatives to this method.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nEthan Dunbar completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dunbar's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Ethan N. Dunbar. I am a dedicated follower of Christ and a resident of Lewisville, Arkansas. I am also a veteran of the Army and the current mayor of Lewisville. I am a man of faith, guided by a divine calling to pursue justice and equality while living as a faithful Christian. My goal is to serve my community as an extension of my faith. I believe that we need to transform the core of our political process. Leaders should lead with respect—respect for everyone’s humanity, respect for opinions different from ours, respect for each person’s dignity and self-worth, and respect for individual freedoms. In this spirit, we can build stronger relationships that enhance our quality of life and address specific needs in Arkansas. Blaming a party, group, or individual only widens the divide. We must rise above this tendency and focus on the character of the leaders we elect. I am a 33-year retired Army Veteran. I reached the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major. I learned to follow first and then to lead early in my career. I led leaders and taught them how to lead. I served as a leader in combat for 42 months. Currently, I serve as the mayor of my small town, I serve as the Chairman of the Arkansas Black Mayors’ Association since October 2022. I am an active member of the Arkansas Lions Club, former District Governor of District 7L, past president of the Stamps Rotary Club. I am also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Masonic Order. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? 1.\tRestore civility and integrity to political dialogue.\r\nThrough this campaign, I hope to inspire hope in humanity. As our national and state demographics evolve, so must our perspective on how to best coexist within our governing principles— the U.S. Constitution and our respective State Constitutions. Our democracy depends on how our elected leaders represent our shared experiences, respect our differences, and focus on the common interests of all constituents. We must restore civility to our political conversations. 2.\tHold elected leaders accountable.\r\nThe combined efforts of our people create the standard of living we enjoy in the United States. We, the citizens, must serve as guardians of this system and our democracy, and the leaders we select should show genuine respect for every individual. Hard work, along with courageous, strong, and ethical leadership, combined with fundamental dignity and respect for all, has largely helped our nation become the leader of the free world. Any erosion of these principles and standards by elected officials weakens the collective efforts of citizens and must be addressed. 3.\tFight for the dignity of hardworking, play-by-the-rules Arkansans.\r\n\r\nHere in Arkansas, we work with our hands. 97% of the roughly 50,000 farms are family-owned, so we must protect our agricultural well-being. The economic impact of Arkansas farmers on the state is about 8.5% of its GDP and provides numerous jobs. During these times of high inflation and wage instability, Arkansans also need to be concerned about rising healthcare costs and the threat of losing access to safety net healthcare for our most vulnerable citizens. We must stop allowing personal outrage in politics to blindly influence our actions toward the vulnerable and hardworking citizens. We are much better than this. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Agriculture, education, employment, healthcare, and justice are core issues. These are personal livelihood concerns that our elected officials should be aware of and actively work to find the best outcomes for everyone. We cannot continue engaging in disagreements that lead our leaders to devalue others’ opinions and needs, nor make policy decisions that impact everyone without considering or caring about their effects. Humanity must guide our way. I am passionate about finding or creating ways to discover common ground that previously did not exist, to bring people together. I am dedicated to challenging the illusions of our current political leaders and focusing on reshaping the political process toward shared decency and good values. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. They led by example and demonstrated what it means to recognize the humanity and value of all people. Their example helps me to feel and display a deep regard for others simply because they are human. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Loyalty. Duty. Respect. Selfless Service. Honor. Integrity. Personal Courage. (These are the seven Army Values that Soldiers are required to know, recite, and live.) What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? I truly believe that to genuinely understand how to serve the residents of Arkansas and the state as a whole, we need to listen, respect, and understand the lived experiences of the constituents we represent. I live in Arkansas, and I face these responsibilities daily as the mayor of a small, rural town. I want the entire focus and power of the United States Senate office to be on the needs of Arkansas, not personal ambition. Our prime directive, our core responsibility as elected leaders, must be to serve the best interests of the residents of Arkansas - and that requires listening and regular visits to each part of the state while in office. I believe that transparency and accountability are key responsibilities of elected office. What legacy would you like to leave? If there is a legacy to leave, I want mine to be that I am a true believer and follower of Christ. Through my faith, I utilized my knowledge, skills, and abilities to enhance the quality of life for Arkansans, create growth opportunities for the state, and demonstrate Christian behavior in representing the needs of my constituents. Most importantly, I want to change the heart and soul of the political process by respecting our differences while working hard to help others, treating everyone with dignity and respect. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I vividly remember the attempted assassination of President Reagan in 1981. I was 16. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was chopping cotton plants, specifically thinning the rows of cotton plants to remove weeds that inhibited growth. I earned $10 a day and worked from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer of my freshman year of high school. I worked that job for roughly one month. What is your favorite book? Why? The Bible. We are living in a time of spiritual darkness. Moral absolutes are becoming ambiguous. The Bible provides guidance on how to navigate these times. It serves as a source of inspiration, wisdom, instruction, and direction. The principles in the Bible are timeless and remind us that life isn’t just about ourselves, but about how we treat each other. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Eli from the movie “The Book of Eli.” What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? I sincerely believe that defending our democracy will be a challenge for our nation. It appears that political power is being sought for the benefit of a specific group or individual. Our Declaration of Independence was made specifically to oppose such conditions. We must uphold the founding documents of this country and ensure that the rights guaranteed to every citizen are protected in line with the vision of the founders. To achieve this, we must elect leaders who genuinely respect the opinions and perspectives of those they serve. We need to select selfless leaders who understand that their roles are not about personal gain or ambitions but about protecting the unalienable rights of every citizen. This requires each voter to first reflect on themselves and then carefully consider the candidates they support. I believe that our democracy heavily depends on who we choose to elect. We must restore peace, order, and compassion to our political process. What are your thoughts on term limits? The Constitution requires a Senator to be at least 30 years old when sworn in. I believe it is reasonable to establish an upper age limit for eligibility and retirement, mainly to assure cognitive reasoning related to age and to promote fair competition for a Senate seat. However, between age 30 and retirement, I see no reason to impose additional restrictions. What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution? The Senate is a small deliberative institution, but an extremely powerful force in our Nation's government. The senators elected are two from each state, regardless of the state's size or population, as a body of equals. This body adds a balance to the House of Representatives, where population and popular vote are considered. The Senate has the mission to provide advice and consent to the President on nominations, including judicial nominations, and to conduct budget reconciliation. The Senate also has the express authority to serve as a court for impeachment. These are unique qualities of our Senate and senators. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes. It is helpful, but not essential. I believe that anyone elected to serve others must have good character and act with integrity. They must put constituent needs above their own goals and aspirations. What do you think of the filibuster? I think the filibuster, despite its history, is marginally effective today. Although it was intended to promote compromise and a voice to the minority party, in recent times, it has served more as a deterrent and obstruction to the deliberative process, from both parties. I would be open to discussing the continued use of it. How would you evaluate a judicial nominee? On their merits and qualifications. What kind of relationships would you build with other senators? I aim to build mutually respectful relationships with all members of Congress. I believe in the importance and power of respect, as well as the value of compromise in certain cases. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Absolutely. How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers? Fairly, objectively, and without fear or favor. What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet? Integrity, competency, leader humility, character, and ethical disposition. What is an accomplishment that you are proud of? There are several, but in August 2023, I received my PhD in Interdisciplinary Leadership from the University of Central Arkansas. My dissertation examined the concept of ethical leadership among elected officials. I am uniquely qualified for this role. I am deeply committed to creating opportunities in Arkansas that will improve our overall well-being and enhance our competitiveness in agriculture on a global scale. What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence? I think that the government should have a regulatory oversight role in the development of this powerful, emerging technology. I don't believe that we know or understand enough about this phenomenon to leave it to private leaders who may only be financially motivated. We need to take all factors into consideration, including long-term detrimental effects on all aspects of life in our country and the world more broadly. What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States? Our Constitution gives full faith and credit to the States in broad areas, including state elections. The Electoral College has been under scrutiny, but I would be open to hearing alternatives to this method.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]