Congressman Mills

Congressman Mills is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives representing Arkansas's 2nd congressional district. First elected in 2010, he has served on influential committees including the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee. A former United States Army officer, Mills is known as a staunch fiscal and social conservative, focusing on issues like tax reform, deficit reduction, and Second Amendment rights.

Early life and education

James W. Mills was born in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and raised in Heber Springs. He attended Heber Springs High School where he was active in student government and athletics. Mills then enrolled at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During his time at the University of Arkansas, he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and participated in the ROTC program. His early career included work in the agricultural sector and small business management in Cleburne County.

Political career

Prior to his election to Congress, Mills served on the Heber Springs City Council and was later elected as the County Judge of Cleburne County. In these local roles, he focused on infrastructure projects, economic development, and streamlining local government. His successful tenure as County Judge, where he balanced budgets without raising taxes, established his reputation as a fiscally responsible conservative and propelled his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives. He was actively involved with the Arkansas Republican Party and supported statewide candidates like Governor Mike Huckabee.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elected in the 2010 Republican wave, Congressman Mills was sworn into the 112th United States Congress. He secured seats on the powerful Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on the Budget. A consistent conservative vote, he supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, advocated for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and opposed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Congressional Constitution Caucus. Mills has also served on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health and the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security.

Electoral history

In the 2010 election for Arkansas's 2nd congressional district, Mills defeated Democratic candidate Joyce Elliott and Libertarian Lance Levi. He was re-elected in 2012 against Democrat Herb Rule. Subsequent re-elections in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 saw him win by substantial margins, often facing only nominal third-party or write-in opposition. His district includes Little Rock and surrounding areas like Conway and Searcy.

Personal life

Congressman Mills is married to Melissa Mills, a former teacher, and they have three children. The family resides in Heber Springs and are active members of the First Baptist Church there. An avid outdoorsman, Mills enjoys hunting and fishing in the Ozarks. He remains a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, frequently participating in events honoring military service members. Before his political career, he served as a Captain in the United States Army with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Arkansas Category:Arkansas Republicans Category:University of Arkansas alumni