Re-Elect Lauren Abney, Little River County Circuit Clerk

03/04/2026

What a night for Little River County!

Thank you to everyone who voted, supported me, prayed for me, sent messages, and showed up strong at the polls. The people of this county spoke loud and proud, and I am so thankful for every single vote of confidence.

This job means a lot to me, and I promise to continue serving with professionalism, approachability, and the experience that comes from 17 years of doing the work.

I couldn’t do this without my family, friends, and this incredible community behind me.

Let’s keep moving forward together. 💚

•Lauren Abney
Little River County Circuit Clerk
•Trusted •Proven •Professional•

03/01/2026

At 2:45 my mom called me hollering “MY HOUSE IS ON FIRE”. I had just gotten out of the shower so Billy and I headed there! Fires are devastating! Everyone is fine and everything is replaceable! Thankful for the Ashdown Fire department, First responders, APD, along with neighbors and friends.

02/28/2026

My sweet girls first time to vote the other day 🤍

02/21/2026

2026 Chamber Banquet with some of the best!

02/14/2026

02/13/2026

This week’s campaign speeches are behind me, and I just want to take a moment to say how incredibly thankful I am.

Thankful for my girls who show up, stand beside me, and support me even when they know public speaking makes me nervous. Thankful for my family who never let me forget why I started this journey. And thankful for this community who has wrapped their arms around me from Day 1.

I cannot tell you how many texts, calls, and conversations I’ve had where people stop me and say, “Don’t worry, you’ve got my whole family’s vote.” You will never truly know how much that means to me. Those words hit me in the heart every single time and remind me that all of this is worth it.

Honestly, I hate public speaking. It does not come natural to me at all. But every time I finish a speech, it lights a fire in me because I’m reminded who I’m fighting for and why I love serving this county so much. So many of you come up to me afterwards with hugs, encouragement, and kind words, and that warmth is what keeps me going.

I tell people everywhere I go, I’m not a politician. I can’t make promises about things that aren’t within my job. I follow the law, and I follow my own office policies. What I can promise is professionalism, accountability, service, and approachability. I want people to always feel comfortable coming to me, asking questions, and knowing they will be treated with respect and kindness when they walk through our doors.

And I’m proud that so many attorneys, agencies, and citizens tell us often, “Your office is our favorite county to work with.” That speaks volumes about the standard we hold ourselves to every day.

Early Voting Dates: February 17 through February 28
Early Voting Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturdays
March 2: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Election Day: March 3

Thank you for the prayers, the encouragement, the messages, the hugs, and the belief in me. It means more than you know. 💚

01/26/2026

I can’t tag everybody. My little dogs 🥰

01/10/2026

✨ Meet the Parents, Part 2 ✨

My Dad and stepmother are Mark and Patty Welch of Winthrop, Arkansas. They have been married for 29 years and have spent decades serving and supporting Little River County in so many meaningful ways.

My dad has proudly served on the Winthrop Fire Department since 2009 and served as Fire Chief from 2013–2025. He has also given his time serving on the Little River County Farm Bureau Board, always advocating for our local farmers and agricultural community.

Patty is one of the co-founders of the Winthrop Community Food Bank, helping ensure families in our area have access to food when they need it most.

Both Mark and Patty have also served on the Winthrop City Council for more than 20 years, showing a long-standing commitment to public service. Prior to that, they each had successful careers in banking before making the transition to agriculture.

Today, they own and operate a six-house poultry farm and raise cattle in Winthrop and Foreman, a true reflection of their strong work ethic, love for the land, and dedication to the community we call home. In 2024, they were honored as the Little River County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year, a recognition that speaks volumes about their commitment to agriculture and our county.

My Nanny, Geraldine Lambert Welch, was one of my best friends and my biggest supporters. I sure wish she was still here to see this. Her love, encouragement, and steady presence continue to guide me every day.

Although I grew up in two separate households, my parents remained friends and worked together to raise us. That example taught me that leadership isn’t about division or control…… it’s about respect, communication, and doing what’s right for the people depending on you.

Both sets of my parents have given me different perspectives on life and learning, and I am grateful for the values, lessons, and work ethic they’ve each passed down in their own way.

01/05/2026

✨ Meet 1/2 of My Parents ✨

Today I want to introduce two very important people in my life…..

Darrell and Nancy Coker.

I was about 9 years old when Darrell came into my life, and he didn’t have to choose me, but he did. From that day forward, he showed up as a father in every way that matters: with love, guidance, discipline, and consistency. He taught me what it means to work hard, keep your word, and stand steady when things aren’t easy.

The last 30 years, Darrell and my mom, Nancy, built a home rooted in faith, respect, and responsibility. They raised me to believe that character matters, service matters, and how you treat people, especially when no one is watching, says everything about who you are.

Every value I carry into my work and my life was shaped by them. They are my foundation, my example, and my biggest supporters.

I am incredibly proud of where I come from and even more grateful for the parents who helped make me who I am. 💚