Mark Lowery, the state treasurer of Arkansas, announced his retirement following two strokes

Little Rock, Arkansas – Mark Lowery, the state treasurer of Arkansas, made his retirement plans public after having two strokes this year.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, Lowery plans to retire on Sept. 30, “Lowery’s decision to retire comes after a series of medical events this year. The state treasury will continue to be run by Chief of Staff Stephen Bright and Deputy Treasurer Eric Munson until Governor Sanders appoints a replacement.”

In 2023, Lowery had two strokes—one in March and the other last month. After the initial stroke, he spent many weeks receiving medical rehabilitation in Arkansas. He then proceeded to recover in Maryland while being cared after by relatives.

Early in June, the state treasurer made his way back to Arkansas and to his job, but he soon experienced a second stroke, which prompted him to decide to step down and concentrate on his health.

Lowery’s family released this statement on his behalf, “It was the joy of his life traveling across Arkansas and building lasting relationships with constituents throughout the state. Every moment of every day he lived his dream by serving others and fighting for Arkansans.”

In the middle of the 1990s, Lowery started working for the government as Mike Huckabee’s chief of staff. 2012 saw Lowery win his first term in the Arkansas Legislature later in his political career. He later served in the Arkansas legislature for five terms.

The governor will pick his successor in accordance with Arkansas state law.

Alexa Henning, a spokesman for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, issued the following statement:

“Governor Sanders is praying for Treasurer Lowery and for his family. She appreciates his decades-long service to the state and to Arkansans.”