I I I Sophomore Luke Helms served as lhe leader for S1udents.fi1r Cl'uz un the Arkansus Leadership Team.for Se11. Ted Cruz in the summer. I Photo by Owen Brown I '• '1 P E O P L E Luke Helms, a sophomore public administratio major from Russellville, Arkansas, was already playing an active role in the political arena at 19 years old. Helms was a dedicated suppo1ter of Sen. Ted Cruz'f presidential campaign. In the summer of 2015, Helms appointed as the director of Arkansas Millennials f01 Cruz, served as the leader of Students for Cruz on th( Arkansas Leadership Team for Ted Cruz. After attending the Inaugural Ball of Arkansas Gov . Asa Hutchinson in January 2015, Helms' interest ir politics became a passion. "I want to pursue a career in law, and my interest in politics has increased over time," Helms said. "I am fascinated by the process." His love of the political process led him to focus on the 2016 presidential campaign. As a self-identified conservative, Helms believed Cruz was the "most consistently conservative candidate" in the Republicar, presidential primary. Brooke Miller, a sophomore and friend of Helms.. Helms' decision to work for Cruz did not surprise her "He never seems overwhelmed, and he is very motivated," Miller said. "He is not afraid to share hi · beliefs with others." As the director of Arkansas Millennials for Cruz, Helms was in charge of recruiting college students and young people to support and spread awarenes~ of Cruz and his platform as a presidential candidate Tasks ranged from working on social media and visiting college campuses to attending events for the candidate and establishing a base of volunteers. "Sen. Cruz consistently represents the Constitution throughout his work, and he has proven that what he says he will do, he does," Helms said. In July 2015, Marcela White, who served on Hutchison's gubernatorial campaign and later worked for the Cruz campaign, said she reached out to Helms because of hiE desire to see conservative candidates elected. "There is a lack of political interest among young people in this country," White said. "Luke is an impressiw young man, and he can relate to young people. He does whatever needs to be done for the campaign." Although balancing classes, social life and a busy volunteer position was difficult, Helms believed it was well wo1th the time, explaining ifhe believed they would fail, he would not be trying so hard. Assistant professor of political science and public administration Lori Klein, Helms' adviser, believed Helms was a reflection of their department doing a successful job in preparing students in theory and practice. "I always tell students to get their name out there and make your skill sets known," Klein said. "I think Luke was trying to do that and get his foot in the door. and I think that door opened broadly and ve1y quickly for him." Ultimately, Helms believed his work for Cruz was more than just a volunteer position. "I believe God called me to do this," Helms said. "All of my work trickles down to my faith. Sen. Cruz best represents the principles I stand for. This is my kingdom work here on the Earth."
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