Hundreds of people, including the Duggar family and former governor Mike Huckabee, gathered on Tuesday in a show of support for the inauguration of incoming governor Asa Hutchinson.
Speaking from the steps of the Capitol, Hutchinson, who is a devout Christian and has expressed a belief in traditional marriage, called Arkansas a state with "natural beauty, a rich history and unbounded promise." The 64 year old Republican said that creating jobs is his "primary focus" and encouraged citizens to"embrace the energy of change and all the opportunity it brings without without forsaking our foundation."
"Governing is not about which political party is in the majority," he said on Tuesday night. "Governing is about setting aside differences and searching for common ground. And as we search for common ground, we realize that our differences are smaller than we thought and our hearts are larger than we imagined."
Gov. Mike Huckabee, who was among those in attendance, said that Hutchinson hit "the right tone and the right notes" in his inaugural address and will make a "terrific" governor.
The Duggar family of the hit TLC show "19 Kids and Counting", who frequently campaign for politicians who reflect their conservative, Bible-based values, were also in attendance for the event.
"We had a great day yesterday attending the swearing in and the inaugural ball dinner for our good friend and new Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson," the family wrote on their official Facebook page.
"We also spent a little time with our friend, Governor Mike Huckabee who also joined the activities of the day. We are praying that Asa and all the new officials taking office across the country have wisdom as the serve in office."
A short time earlier, about 1,000 people, including Hutchinson and his family, gathered at a west Little Rock church to pray for the incoming governor.
According to Arkansas' 4029TV, Pastor Gary Hollingsworth of Immanuel Baptist Church referenced King Solomon asking God for wisdom, and prayed that God give Hutchinson the same kind of wisdom as he takes over state government.
During the hour-long service, Pastor Wes George of First Baptist Church in Rogers said his advice to the new governor was to "keep smiling and continue to spread kindness."
When Pastor Dale Thompson with First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, took the pulpit, he talked about faith-based leadership, according to Fox16.
The crowd, which included congregants, public officials and the general public, also sang hymns and "God Bless America" and pledged their support for the upcoming administration with their prayers.
