In a gubernatorial race of this caliber, you have fallen short. 

Your general election campaign has received nearly $7.5 million in contributions. Sure, you have your so-called “commanding lead” against your opponents. You are running an expensive and successful campaign, but it is not your own. 

On Oct. 5, you declined an invitation to a televised debate against your opponents, Chris Jones and Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. 

Do you not think Arkansans deserve to hear debate on the issues that affect them or do you lack the knowledge to back your previous claims and stances? Either way, it should have been easy for you. As you refuse to let us forget, you have plenty of practice dodging questions as Donald Trump’s press secretary. 

The problem is that your tactics of fear-mongering, division and extremist dog whistles are adopted from your former boss. Your campaign has it all: name recognition, more money than entire generations of Arkansans will ever touch and the ability to promote fear among your supporters. 

Though, none of that would be possible without your previous connections. Your entire campaign is reliant on voters knowing that you have rubbed elbows with Trump. Since his loss in the 2020 election, you have followed behind him to pick up the pieces for your benefit. 

Instead of bridging the gap between Arkansans, you spout divisive language and drop names as merit. In reality, you are hiding behind the fact that you have no backbone or stance of your own. 

Take your website for example. The “Meet Sarah” tab on your website may as well say, “Meet Donald Trump’s former press secretary.” You have prioritized your relationship with his presidency ahead of your qualifications for governor and even a notion of care for the state. By no means should you be expected to speak about your family first, but Arkansans want to know why you care about Arkansas, not who you worked for. 

You cater and frame your prose to those who live in fear of a progressive nation because it guarantees their vote, with little consideration for anyone else.

According to Politico, Pulaski County — the most populated county in Arkansas — voted for President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. That’s 60% of the county, or 101,947 Arkansans, who may not support the rhetoric that you share. Yet, you have made no effort to relate to them. 

Your lack of regard for every Arkansan gives off an air of arrogance and conceit. You know that you do not have to reach across the aisle because your money and networking will win you the seat. Trump’s endorsement is not enough to make you deserving. Every Arkansan deserves more than you are capable of giving.

According to your website, you have launched a $3.5 million paid media campaign. Aside from your “Freedom Tour,” your advertisements are the only access voters have to your image. 

These posed, scripted and backlit ads are normal for candidates, but with $3.5 million to spend, you would think your ads would do more than stroke Trump’s ego and call for an end to socialism, the “radical left” and cancel culture. How do these affect your job as a governor? 

Since it appears you are prioritizing advertisements over public appearances, you would think that $3.5 million would garner a larger lead in the polls, too. Such ridiculous statements have been spat from the mouth of your former boss, so no one is surprised that you mimic him. 

Your arrogance proves that you have no faith in the intelligence of Arkansans. You release a few advertisements and believe that it is enough to convince them. 

Sanders, be careful in your underestimation of your voters. You might end up losing like your former boss did in 2020.