State Representative Matt Duffield (R-District 53) has been making his way across Arkansas as part of his ongoing Statesman Tour, with stops already completed in Cherokee Village, Russellville, Hope, Helena, Little Rock, and most recently, Waldron. Duffield spent a full day in Scott County—boots on the ground—meeting with residents in Waldron, Mansfield, and surrounding areas.
“I enjoy meeting the taxpayers of the state and gaining insight into issues in different geographic areas,” shared Duffield. “My ultimate goal is to help the state of Arkansas as a whole.”
Visits included the offices of Waldron Mayor David Millard and Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black. Duffield also visited with local citizens including longtime community leader, Sheri Hopkins. His visit concluded with a keynote address at the Scott County Republican Committee meeting, where he recognized several local candidates who are running for public office.
“I want to commend you for running for office. It is not easy and thank you for stepping up to the plate and running…The world we live in now, we need good leaders,” stated Duffield.
Duffield, now serving his second term in the Arkansas House of Representatives, is a small business owner at Duffield Dirt and Gravel Company in Russellville. His unique background includes a stint in the world of professional wrestling, where he performed under the name “Loverboy” Matt Riviera.
“The Speaker of the House still calls me that,” Duffield joked, sharing memories of training in Paris, Arkansas, and the town’s little-known legacy as the birthplace of the professional wrestling boot.
He even threw in a light-hearted quip about his brief foray into acting: “I was a C-list movie star with acting skills that could’ve earned Chuck Norris a Grammy.”
Beyond entertainment and business, Duffield turned his attention to public service in 2022, winning re-election in 2024 with an impressive 73% margin over a Democratic opponent. “Working for the people of my district and all the taxpayers is the most rewarding job I have ever had,” continued Duffield.
Duffield also took a moment to reflect on his family legacy, including his great-grandfather R.D. McMullin, a Yell County State Senator known for a dramatic 1897 incident involving a journalist, and the Duffield Sisters, a 1930s singing trio. He honored his late father, Ronnie Duffield, as “the epitome of the salt of the earth,” saying he was a man of few words but great knowledge in the aggregate business.
Duffield maintained, “I made a vow when I entered politics to operate by the values my parents taught me—work hard, keep your word, and respect everyone.”
His legislative accomplishments underscore those values. In his first term, he sponsored a bill that provided state sales tax exemptions for the Disabled American Veterans organization. Additionally, legislation that was signed into law this year prohibiting registered sex offenders from entering parks, recreational water areas and playgrounds.
Another personal highlight for Duffield was sponsoring Daisy’s Law, named after his late rescue dog. The legislation allows law enforcement to partner with rescue shelters to temporarily secure dogs and cats in danger. That too is now Arkansas law.
Now in his second term, Duffield is laser-focused on defending the Second Amendment. On March 27, 2023, he sponsored a resolution to proclaim Right to Keep and Bear Arms Day in Arkansas. “I am fighting for the Second Amendment and all the freedoms it guarantees,” he declared. “Including perhaps the most important one—freedom from government overreach and tyranny.”
Duffield passionately addressed the March 2024 death of Bryan Malinowski, whose home was raided by federal agents due to his enthusiasm for firearms. “It was an abuse of government power,” Duffield stated. He would go on to organize a press conference at the State Capitol demanding accountability from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“This isn’t just about your right to own a firearm—this is about the United States Constitution,” Duffield affirmed.
In the 2025 legislative session, Duffield was the lead sponsor of SJR11, a proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution that would permanently enshrine the individual right to keep and bear arms. If approved by voters in 2026, the amendment will take effect on January 1, 2027.
“SJR11 ensures Arkansans have the right to own, keep, and employ weapons for self-defense, lawful hunting, recreational use, and any other legal purpose,” Duffield explained. “This is how we safeguard our freedoms for generations to come.”
Gary Epperson, President of GO-AR, the organization that authored the bill, stated, “We are very appreciative of Senator John Payton and Representative Duffield for championing our constitutional amendment as a ballot initiative to be presented to the voters. We believe this right needed to be clarified, and their support has been invaluable.”
As his Statesman Tour continues, Duffield plans visits to communities including Fort Smith, Magnolia, Dardanelle, Hot Springs, Ozark, Searcy, Cabot, Conway, Clarksville, Morrilton, Nashville, Harrison, Berryville, and Bradford—each stop another opportunity to meet with Arkansans face-to-face and advocate for their rights.
