Osceola City Council Member Tyler Dunegan has officially filed paperwork to run for Mississippi County Clerk in the Republican primary. With over 14 years of experience working for the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office - Arkansas’ Chief Election Official, a proven track record in local governance, and a commitment to community service, Dunegan will bring his expertise in election integrity and administrative distinction to Mississippi County government.

​

Born in Mississippi County, Tyler was raised by his grandmother and aunt, who fostered a strong sense of community and duty. A graduate of Osceola High School and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Dunegan has built a distinguished career in public service. He and his wife, Carolyn, are proud parents of three children and have served as active foster parents. The family are active members of Osceola First Baptist Church, where Tyler serves as church treasurer and financial secretary.

​

Dunegan’s career in public service began in 2003 when he was elected one of the youngest political party chairmen in the United States. Tyler was appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee to the 2nd Judicial District Jail Standards Committee, elected as Mississippi County Constable in 2006, and to the Osceola City Council in 2012 - becoming then the youngest elected official in Osceola’s history. Since 2011, he has served in the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office, including as an Outreach Coordinator and Outreach Manager, gaining extensive experience under three Secretaries of State.

​

Under the leadership of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester, Arkansas has achieved the number one ranking for election integrity in the nation. Dunegan, drawing on his experience working with Arkansas’ Chief Election Official, is ready to bring that same level of excellence to Mississippi County as County Clerk. Tyler is committed to ensuring that Mississippi County elections are accurate, secure, smooth, and transparent.

​

As a Certified Municipal Official through the Arkansas Municipal League, Dunegan serves on the League’s Executive Committee and chairs the Public Safety Advisory Council. He has served on the National League of Cities’ Community and Economic Development federal advocacy committee and Small Cities Council. Appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson in 2017, he serves as Chairman of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission and is treasurer of the South Mississippi County Intermodal Authority and serves on the Osceola A&P Tax Commission. Tyler is committed to education which is demonstrated through his work with the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, which helps low-income single parents pursuing higher education. Dunegan was recently named the 2025 “Volunteer of the Year” by the Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce.

​

Tyler is a member of the Osceola Rotary Club and has held leadership roles including Club Secretary, Treasurer, President, Assistant District Governor, and is a two-time Paul Harris Fellow. He currently serves as Vice President of the Mississippi County Museum and is active in the Mississippi County Baptist Association. Previously, he served on boards for the Mississippi County Animal Shelter, Acts of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce, South Mississippi County United Way, and co-chaired the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

​

“As Mississippi County Clerk, I will bring my 14+ years of experience in election administration to ensure our elections are secure, transparent, and accessible,” said Dunegan. “Arkansas leads the nation in election integrity, and I am committed to upholding that standard in Mississippi County while serving our residents with efficiency and integrity.”

Dunegan’s campaign will focus on modernizing the Clerk’s office, enhancing election security, and maintaining accurate records to support Mississippi County’s residents and businesses.