Eric Walden Jr., assistant chief of staff in the Sixth Division Circuit Court, is running for Jefferson County judge.
Walden decided to run for county judge because he is passionate about serving Jefferson County, according to a news release. He believes the county needs transformative leadership that brings unity, empowerment and progress. His colleagues describe him as inspirational and hardworking, and he wants to bring those qualities to county government.
Walden believes focusing on people, relationships and progress will improve the state of Jefferson County government and he is ready to lead the way, according to the release.
Currently, he assists with Group Violence Intervention to help reduce crime in Jefferson County and serves as pastor of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer.
For nearly 16 years, Walden has served in the judicial system under juvenile court Judge Earnest Brown Jr. In his role, Walden manages rehabilitation services, court staff trainings, helps review budgets, applies for grants, is involved with public engagement and regularly partners with officials across the state. He began at the court as a volunteer mentoring youths.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
He earned a degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2009, a master’s of business administration in public administration from Strayer University in 2012 and a master’s of divinity from Regent University in 2022. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Christian leadership and renewal, also from Regent.
Beyond his career, Walden has been active in the community for years. He coached in the White Hall Youth Football League, served as youth pastor at Mt. Zion Church in Altheimer, and continues mentoring youths and adults. He has conducted presentations on professionalism, self-care and leadership and has served on multiple boards, including Go Forward Pine Bluff, What’s Next Pine Bluff, the New Leaders Council and the Arkansas Juvenile Officers Association. He also completed Leadership Pine Bluff in 2013 and the New Leaders Council in 2021.
“Eric is a faith-based leader with strong community ties and proven experience working with diverse groups of people. As a trained mediator, he has the skills to handle conflict with fairness and wisdom. He is physically, mentally and emotionally stable, and brings confidence, integrity, intelligence and a servant’s heart to everything he does,” according to the release.
Married to his wife, Destany, for 14 years, he is a father of six and a grandfather of two. Family is central to his life, and when he’s not spending time with them, he’s learning, reading or staying active in the gym.
The filing period for candidates begins Nov. 3. The primary election is March 3.