Former Arkansas congressman Tommy Robinson, who went from lawman to lawmaker, dies at 82
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Former Arkansas congressman Tommy Robinson has died at the age of 82.
The St. Francis County coroner confirmed that Robinson died around 7 p.m. on Wednesday at a hospital in Forrest City.
Robinson was a well-known Arkansas figure, having served as in the United States House representing the 2nd Arkansas District from 1985 to 1991.
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He famously won his seat in Congress as a Democrat and then switched to the Republican party while still in office.
Robinson later lost in a Republican primary race for governor of Arkansas in 1990.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement on the passing of Robinson calling him “one of the giants of Arkansas politics.”
Bryan and I are mourning the loss of Congressman Robinson, a true legend in Little Rock and our state. Tommy’s career was colorful, but it was colorful in service of the people of Arkansas. He brought much-needed attention to issues like crime and prison overcrowding, and while his methods were sometimes unconventional, they won him admiration from voters to earn a seat in Congress. He was never afraid of a fight.
We are praying for Tommy’s family, friends, and admirers. All of us have lost one of the giants of Arkansas politics.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Before entering politics, Robinson had a high-profile career in law enforcement and was elected as Pulaski County Sheriff in 1980.
Robinson’s time as sheriff was steeped in controversy, making headlines across the nation for attention-getting actions that he took in dealing with jail overcrowding and in his approach to stopping robberies.
Robinson started his career working with the Arkansas State Police, North Little Rock Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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He also served as public safety director at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Jacksonville police chief and was later the public safety director for the state of Arkansas before his run for Pulaski County sheriff.
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