LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued a statement yesterday following having been sworn in for her second term as Attorney General.
“Serving the people of Arkansas as Attorney General has been a true honor to pursue justice, good and right,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “As we begin the next four years, I remain committed to increasing economic and educational opportunities for our families and keeping our most vulnerable children and seniors safe from predators. I will continue making the State more efficient and effective by expanding services and accessibility while decreasing the budget. On behalf of Boyce, Julianna and me, thank you, Arkansas families, for trusting me with these great responsibilities.”
Rutledge took the oath of office in the Chamber of the Arkansas State Capitol House of Representatives while her parents Keith and Nancy Rutledge, her brother Alan Rutledge and niece Kylie Rutledge as well as several other family members and friends observed from the House Gallery. She was escorted onto the House floor by her husband, Boyce Johnson who held their five-month old daughter Julianna and the family Bible.
In December 2015, Rutledge announced her marriage to Johnson and in July 2018, Rutledge announced the birth of their daughter, Julianna. Rutledge is the first constitutional officer of Arkansas to give birth while holding office, and also the first female and first Republican elected to the Office of Attorney General in Arkansas.
Rutledge joined Governor Asa Hutchinson, Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, Secretary of State John Thurston, Auditor of State Andrea Lea, Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan and Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land at today’s inaugural ceremonies.