MEET MISCHA
Mischa Martin is a proven conservative leader, dedicated public servant, and lifelong Arkansan who was raised in Sherwood—the community that shaped her values and fuels her commitment to service. Grounded in faith and purpose, Mischa’s life and career have been driven by a clear mission: to protect vulnerable children, serve families, and strengthen communities.
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I’ve led tough reforms, fixed broken systems, and stood up for Arkansas families—but of everything I’ve accomplished, the most important title I’ve ever held is ‘Mom.’ I’m running because I want my boys, and every Arkansas child, to grow up in a state that protects their future and honors our values.”
—Mischa Martin
Mischa is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a Juris Doctor, and a master’s degree in public administration. She began her service to Arkansas in 2008 as an attorney for the Department of Human Services, handling child abuse and neglect cases. She rose to become Director of the Division of Children and Family Services in 2016 and was later appointed by Governor Sarah Sanders as Deputy Secretary for Youth and Families. In these roles, she was responsible for the safety of children and youths across the state, overseeing programs focused on abuse and neglect prevention, foster care, and adoption, and working to strengthen all Arkansas families.
Mischa is passionately pro-life and believes we must protect children in our state to give them a chance at lives of purpose. She led transformative reforms that safely reduced the number of children in foster care by improving family placements and expanding prevention services statewide. In addition, Mischa has worked for over a decade with the Arkansas State Legislature to create nationally recognized laws that promote the best interest of children, increase transparency, reduce bureaucratic red tape, strengthen parental rights, and support foster parents.
Mischa’s leadership has earned both state and national recognition, including the 2023 Senator Percy Malone Child Protection Award from the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, the Champion for Children Award from The CALL, and the Excellence for Children Leadership Award from Casey Family Programs. Today, she continues her advocacy by providing technical assistance to other state leaders across the country on child welfare, community prevention, and public policy strategy.
Despite her national impact, Mischa's heart has always been at home. She lives in Sherwood with her husband of more than 20 years, Blake, their 13-year-old twin boys, and a super friendly mini Aussiedoodle. Mischa enjoys being a sports mom and watching her boys play football, baseball, and basketball. She loves the outdoors—especially mountain biking and hiking to Arkansas’ scenic waterfalls.
Mischa’s faith is the foundation of her leadership. She believes public service is a calling and that elected officials should lead with humility, courage, and conviction. That’s why she’s running for the Arkansas State Senate—to bring servant leadership to the Capitol; fight for
strong families, safe communities, and lower taxes; and ensure that government remains accountable to the people.
