Steve Womack

Steve Womack
Official portrait, 2023
Steve Womack
Born	Stephen Allen Womack 18 2, 1957
Birthplace	Russellville, Arkansas, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, retired military officer
Known for	U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district; Chair of the House Budget Committee (2018–2019)
Education	Arkansas Tech University (BA)
Children	3
Awards	Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal
Website	[[womack.house.gov womack.house.gov] Official site]

Stephen Allen Womack (born February 18, 1957) is an American politician and retired United States Army colonel who has served as the U.S. representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district since 2011. A member of the Republican Party, Womack represents a district covering much of northwestern Arkansas, including the cities of Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, and his hometown of Rogers—a district once represented by former U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright. Before entering Congress, Womack served as the mayor of Rogers for over a decade and had a three-decade career in the Arkansas Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of colonel. He succeeded John Boozman, who left the seat after defeating U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln in the 2010 Senate election. In Congress, Womack gained prominence as chairman of the House Budget Committee from 2018 to 2019 and subsequently served as the committee's ranking member from 2019 to 2021. He has been a consistent advocate for fiscal policy, defense spending, and agricultural interests relevant to his district.

Early Life

Stephen Allen Womack was born on February 18, 1957, in Russellville, Arkansas. He grew up in Arkansas and eventually settled in Rogers, a city in the northwestern part of the state in Benton County. The region, part of the broader Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area, has experienced significant economic growth over the decades, driven in part by the presence of major corporations such as Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt.

Womack's early life was shaped by his connection to Arkansas and an interest in public service. He would go on to pursue both a military career and a career in local government before entering national politics. His roots in the community of Rogers provided the foundation for his later political career, as he became deeply embedded in the civic life of the city and the surrounding region.

Education

Womack attended Arkansas Tech University in his hometown of Russellville, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Arkansas Tech University, a public institution founded in 1909, is located in the Arkansas River Valley and has historically served as a significant educational institution for the state. Womack's education there preceded his entry into military service and public life.

Career

Military Service

Womack served in the United States Army and the Arkansas Army National Guard for thirty years, from 1979 to 2009, retiring at the rank of colonel. His military career spanned a significant period of American military history, including the post-Cold War era and the early years of the War on Terror.

During his service, Womack received several military decorations recognizing his contributions. Among these were the Legion of Merit, one of the highest peacetime military decorations; the Meritorious Service Medal; and the Army Commendation Medal. His military background became a defining aspect of his public identity and influenced his later positions on defense and veterans' issues in Congress.

Mayor of Rogers

Before entering national politics, Womack served as the mayor of Rogers, Arkansas, a position he held from January 1, 1999, to January 3, 2011. He succeeded John Sampier in the role and was succeeded by Greg Hines upon his departure to take office in Congress.

Womack's tenure as mayor coincided with a period of substantial growth in the Northwest Arkansas region. Rogers, located in Benton County, saw population increases and economic development during this period, in part fueled by the expansion of retail and logistics industries headquartered in the region. As mayor, Womack was responsible for overseeing municipal governance during this transformative era for the city.

His more than decade-long service as mayor gave Womack extensive experience in local governance and established his reputation as a Republican officeholder in a region that was becoming increasingly important to Arkansas's political landscape. The experience also provided him with a political base from which to launch his congressional campaign.

U.S. House of Representatives

2010 Election

Womack entered the race for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district in 2010 after the incumbent, John Boozman, announced he would run for the U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent Blanche Lincoln. The 3rd district, encompassing much of northwestern Arkansas, was considered a safe Republican seat.

Womack won the Republican primary and went on to win the general election, succeeding Boozman in the House of Representatives. He took office on January 3, 2011.

Subsequent Elections

Womack has been reelected to Congress in every subsequent cycle, consistently winning by wide margins in the heavily Republican district. In 2012, his Democratic opponent, Ken Aden, dropped out of the race.

He continued to face minimal opposition in subsequent elections, reflecting the district's strong Republican lean. As of 2026, Womack is seeking reelection, facing challengers Robb Ryerse and Christopher Hocevar in the race for the 3rd district seat.

House Budget Committee

Womack's most prominent committee assignment in Congress has been his role on the House Budget Committee. He was appointed chairman of the committee on January 11, 2018, succeeding Diane Black. As chairman, Womack was responsible for developing the House's annual budget resolution and played a central role in Republican fiscal policy during the 115th Congress.

When Democrats took control of the House following the 2018 midterm elections, Womack transitioned to the role of ranking member of the Budget Committee, serving in that capacity from January 3, 2019, to January 3, 2021. He was succeeded as ranking member by Jason Smith. During his time as both chairman and ranking member, Womack was involved in debates over federal spending, the national debt, and budget priorities.

Tax Policy

Womack was a supporter of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the major tax reform legislation championed by the Republican majority and signed into law by President Donald Trump. He voted in favor of the bill during its passage through the House of Representatives in December 2017.

The legislation, which included significant reductions in corporate tax rates and modifications to individual income tax brackets, was a defining legislative achievement of the Republican-controlled Congress. Womack advocated for the bill's provisions, including aspects he argued would benefit Arkansas families and businesses. The bill passed the Senate and required a revote in the House before final passage.

Agricultural Policy

Representing a district with significant agricultural interests, Womack has been involved in legislation affecting the farming and poultry industries. Northwestern Arkansas is home to Tyson Foods and has a large poultry industry. Womack was among the members of Congress who supported a legislative rider related to the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), which dealt with regulations governing the relationship between poultry companies and contract farmers.

The GIPSA rule, originally proposed during the Obama administration, was intended to provide greater protections for contract poultry growers. The rider effectively blocked implementation of the rule, a position supported by major poultry companies but opposed by some farmers who argued they needed greater protections from corporate practices.

Climate and Energy Policy

Womack signed the Americans for Prosperity "No Climate Tax" pledge, indicating his opposition to legislation that would impose taxes on carbon emissions or other climate-related regulatory costs. This position aligned with the broader Republican caucus's stance on climate policy during his time in Congress.

International Conservation

Womack has been associated with the International Conservation Caucus in Congress, a bipartisan group focused on international conservation issues.

Government Shutdown Debates

As a senior Republican in Congress, Womack has been involved in debates surrounding government funding and potential shutdowns. In February 2026, Womack and his challengers for the 3rd district seat weighed in on a partial government shutdown, with Womack addressing the matter from his position as a long-serving member of the House.

Legislative Priorities in 2026

In early 2026, during a congressional recess, Womack discussed legislative priorities including a new bill on housing affordability and tourism-related issues affecting Arkansas. He also appeared on local media outlets to discuss the Arkansas political primaries and other matters.

Personal Life

Womack was married to Terri Lynn Williams Womack for more than four decades. The couple had three children together. Womack has identified as a Southern Baptist.

Terri Womack died on January 19, 2026, at the age of 68, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. Her death was widely noted by political figures in Arkansas. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a public statement in response to the news. The Hill reported that the couple had been married for more than four decades. Other outlets, including KATV, also reported on her death.

In January 2026, President Donald Trump commuted the federal prison sentence of Womack's son, though further details regarding the circumstances were reported by local media.

Recognition

During his military career, Womack received several notable awards and decorations. The Legion of Merit, his highest military honor, is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. He also received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

In Congress, Womack's appointment as chairman of the House Budget Committee in 2018 represented one of the most significant positions in the House Republican leadership structure. The Budget Committee chairmanship placed him at the center of debates over federal spending and fiscal policy during a period of significant legislative activity, including the aftermath of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Womack's long tenure representing the 3rd congressional district of Arkansas, beginning in 2011, has made him one of the more senior members of the Arkansas congressional delegation. His combined service as mayor of Rogers, his military career, and his time in Congress reflect a sustained career in public service spanning several decades.

Campaign Finance

Womack's campaign finance records are maintained by the Federal Election Commission under candidate identification number H0AR03055.