Meet Ken yang

Ken Yang is a native of Benton, graduate of Benton High School, and a first-generation immigrant of Taiwan. His father fled China in 1949 during the Communist Revolution and in 1983, with Ken’s mother, immigrated to the United States. Born and raised in Saline County, Ken’s family owned and operated the Sin-Sin restaurant in Benton for over 30 years. This is where Ken was first taught the value of hard work, which has allowed him to live and pursue his own American Dream.

Ken has participated in the Arkansas Governor’s School and interned at the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney’s office – both experiences of which helped grow his immense love and passion for Arkansas politics and its people. At the age of 20, Ken served as the Saline County District Court case coordinator at the Prosecutor’s office.

A Hendrix College alum, Ken graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and was presented with the Outstanding Leadership and Service award as a student. Ken also lettered in NCAA III tennis at Hendrix and was named an academic honors athlete.

Upon graduation, Ken served as Campaign Manager for then State Representative Mark Martin’s successful – and historic – campaign for Arkansas Secretary of State, which cemented Martin as the first Republican Secretary of State elected in the state since Reconstruction.

Ken has held numerous positions in national campaigns, including as a key member of the national field team for Newt Gingrich’s 2012 Presidential campaign and as the former Speaker’s State Field Director for Ohio and Alabama.

After the 2012 election cycle, Ken returned to Arkansas and announced his candidacy for Arkansas State Auditor. It was his first foray as a candidate for office, as he attempted to become the youngest state-wide office holder in the nation. Ken garnered national attention for his campaign and was invited to a panelist at the National Republican Women’s Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. He has appeared on Fox News, CNN, and Good Morning America.

Ken previously served as Director of Governmental Affairs at Arkansas Family Council, where he led the Council’s effort to help pass the Protect Women’s Sports Act, as well as many pro-life bills.

Ken is the former President of the Arkansas Republican County Chairman’s Association. a.k.a. “Chair of the Chairs,” and Chairman of the Saline County Republican Committee. He is the founder and president of one of Arkansas’ top consulting firms, American Dream Strategies, LLC.