Arkansas House Candidates Clash Over Trump Ties, Medicaid Cuts

Democrat Chris Jones and Republican incumbent Rep. French Hill debated Thursday in a closely watched Arkansas 2nd Congressional District race, sparring over Hill's alignment with President Trump and federal budget policy. Jones repeatedly criticized Hill's support for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, which is projected to cut Medicaid and food stamp spending by more than $1 trillion over the next decade. The candidates also clashed over the national debt, housing affordability, and a bipartisan housing law Trump initially opposed before allowing it to become law without his signature. Forecasters have recently shifted the race from safe to likely Republican, making it a notable midterm contest in a solidly red state.

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