Pat Hays

Patrick Henry Hays (born January 8, 1947) is an American lawyer and politician from the state of Arkansas. A member of the Democratic Party, Hays served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1987 to 1989 and as the mayor of North Little Rock from 1989 to 2013. He was the Democratic nominee for Arkansas's 2nd congressional district in the 2014 elections to the United States House of Representatives.

For those of a similar name, see Pat Hayes (disambiguation).

Pat Hays
23rd mayor of North Little Rock, Arkansas
In office
1989–2013
Preceded byTerry Hartwick
Succeeded byJoe Smith
Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
from the 66th district
In office
1987–1989
Personal details
Born (1947-01-08) January 8, 1947
North Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Linda
Children1
ResidenceNorth Little Rock, Arkansas
Alma materUniversity of Arkansas
University of Arkansas School of Law
ProfessionLawyer
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Army Reserves

Early life

Hays was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas in 1947.[1] He graduated from North Little Rock High School, and then attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he obtained his bachelor's degree. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law. Hays joined the United States Army Reserves, reaching the rank of captain.[2]

Career

Hays served as Assistant City Attorney for North Little Rock. He was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in the 66th district for the 76th Arkansas General Assembly, which was in session from 1987 through 1989. He was then elected mayor of North Little Rock, and served six terms, from 1989 through 2013, totaling 24 years.[2][3] During his tenure as mayor, he pushed for a one cent sales tax to fund the construction of Dickey-Stephens Park. He also oversaw the development of the Big Dam Bridge, Clinton Park Bridge, Broadway Bridge, and Burns Park.[4] Hays briefly ran for the United States Senate following the retirement of Dale Bumpers in the 1998 election, but he withdrew his candidacy. He was considered a potential candidate in the 2012 election for the United States House of Representatives in Arkansas's 2nd congressional district,[5] but opted not to run. Hays did not seek reelection as mayor in 2012.[4]

Hays announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives to succeed Republican incumbent Tim Griffin in the 2014 election on October 22, 2013.[2][6] He cited the United States federal government shutdown of 2013, which he called a "travesty", as a reason to run.[3][7] Republican French Hill defeated Hays in the general election.[8]

Personal

Hays' wife, Linda, is a retired school teacher. They have a daughter, Josie, and three grandchildren, Savannah, Isabella, and Harper.[2]

References
  1. "Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans". 1975.
  2. "Pat Hays To Announce For Congress Tuesday". Talkbusiness.net. November 16, 2009. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  3. "Pat Hays announces bid for U.S. House seat". Arkansasonline.com. October 22, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  4. Rayburn, Greg (July 25, 2012). "NLR Mayor Patrick Hays reflects on 24 years in office". Pulaski News. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  5. "Pat Hays political future a source of speculation". Talk Business & Politics. August 23, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  6. "Patrick Henry Hays to Announce Candidacy for Congress - FOX16.com Little Rock, AR". Fox16.com. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  7. "Pat Hays Announces Run for 2nd District Seat | Arkansas Business News". ArkansasBusiness.com. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  8. "GOP's French Hill wins US House seat in Arkansas". Associated Press. November 4, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
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