Community Endorsements - Why we support Ryan Blue for Circuit Judge
Alexis Necessary
Child and Family Therapist
“In our work, we see firsthand how the decisions made in family court can shape a child’s entire future. Ryan understands that deeply. His compassion, fairness, and unwavering commitment to putting children first have made a lasting impact on the families we serve. We need more judges like Ryan—who not only follow the law, but lead with heart.”
Todd Brakevile
Former Siloam Springs Police Captain
“I served in law enforcement for over 25 years, and I know how important it is to have judges who respect the rule of law and hold people accountable. Ryan has the judgment, integrity, and backbone we need on the bench. He doesn’t play politics—he will follow the law and make decisions that keep our communities safe and our justice system strong.”
Fmr. Judge Mark Fryauf
Former Circuit Judge, Benton County Arkansas
“Throughout my years on the bench, I saw few attorneys as dedicated as Ryan. His tireless work for children and families—both in and out of the courtroom—has made a real difference in people’s lives. Ryan brings not only legal skill, but deep compassion and a steady commitment to doing what’s right. He will serve with the kind of integrity and heart that the bench—and our community—deserve.”
Kristin Page
Founder, Micah's House
“As a teacher and founder of a nonprofit for children, I’ve seen how the legal system can shape a child’s future—for better or worse. Ryan has always shown up for kids and families, not just in the courtroom, but in the community. He listens, he cares, and he fights for what’s right. I trust Ryan to be the kind of judge who puts children first and makes decisions that truly strengthen families.”
Ryan has a proven record in the courtroom and has been selected to serve as Special Judge for Benton County Circuit Court, Division Three. The division typically hears family and juvenile law cases. While serving in that role of Special Judge, Ryan treated all litigants with respect and he listened before making a decision that he knew can be life-changing - every single day of the job.
Ryan Blue brings nearly 27 years of legal experience, with a deep commitment to helping families and protecting children. He is especially recognized for his work in a growing and critical area of family law—parental alienation. This occurs when one parent influences a child to reject the other parent, often using the child as a weapon in divorce or custody battles. It’s a damaging pattern that can leave lasting emotional scars, and Ryan has worked tirelessly to address it with compassion and legal clarity.
Arkansas has one of the highest divorce rates in the country. Ryan believes it is critical for judges to take a firm stand against this kind of parental misconduct. As judge, he will always put the best interests of children first—every single day.
One organization especially close to Ryan’s heart is the Benton County Children’s Advocacy Center. Each day, it serves our community by helping children who have experienced trauma. The Center’s mission is to break the cycle of abuse through compassionate intervention and support. In addition to its advocacy work, it also provides long-term shelter and care for women and children in crisis. https://cfacbentonco.com.
Ryan cherishes his family and children, and he is devoted to helping his clients and their families navigate an often too-complex system. He believes that our system of justice is designed to help solve problems. He works with a number of local nonprofit organizations geared specifically to improving the lives of families and children. Learn more about Ryan's personal story on a related page by clicking here.
Ryan believes voters deserve to understand the judicial philosophy he will bring to Division Six, particularly given the types of cases assigned to that position.
In Arkansas, judicial elections are nonpartisan, meaning judges do not run under a political party label. This requirement, found in Amendment 80 of the Arkansas Constitution, exists to preserve public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
Ryan will apply a conservative judicial philosophy to the family law and civil cases assigned to Division Six—one rooted in restraint, fidelity to the law as written, and respect for the separation of powers.
Ryan believes:
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Limiting judicial activism. Judges should interpret the law, not make it. They should avoid injecting their personal views and defer to the legislature's intent and existing case precedent.
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Firm-but-Fair way of handling cases. Ryan believes it is important to hold parents accountable to child custody and visitation orders, and he will have little tolerance for violence - or threats of violence - in these domestic relations cases.
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Protecting property rights and economic freedom is an essential aspect serving as guardian of the Constitution.
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Being cautious about expanding rights. Ryan believes that judges should avoid overstepping into legislative or executive functions. A good conservative judge respects the boundaries between branches of government.
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Ryan is a Certified Domestic Relations and Juvenile Mediator which means he has specialized training and regularly works as an attorney to resolve problems that are uniquely suited to families and young children who are at risk.
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Certification: Ryan has completed court-approved training and is certified.
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Neutral Role: he serves to help people work through life crisis and legal troubles.
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Focus on Children: Ryan works to help families reach solutions that are in the best interest of the child while reducing conflict and avoiding litigation.
After earning his law license from the University of Arkansas, Ryan also attended seminary and earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.), where he took specialized training in ethics, care and counseling, leadership, and communication. The MDiv is often known as the standard degree required for ordination in many Christian denominations (Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian), and is recognized as a comprehensive foundation for vocational ministry.
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Arkansas created a separate Juvenile Court system to handle cases involving children differently from adults. The purpose was to protect young people from the harsh realities of the adult criminal justice system and to focus on rehabilitation over punishment. With the passage of Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution, jurisdiction over juvenile matters was unified under circuit judges.
Juvenile courts treat children differently because of a well-established principle—supported by science, law, and public policy—that children are not just “miniature adults.” Their brains are still developing, and they have a greater capacity for change and growth.
Ryan has significant experience working with families and children who sometimes make poor choices—decisions they might have avoided with time or guidance. He understands that family and juvenile courts are not criminal courts, and they shouldn’t be treated that way.
Ryan strongly supports diversion programs for low-risk youth—programs that offer mentoring, substance abuse treatment, job training, and family therapy as alternatives to formal court involvement.
Mike Lira
Former Policeman and Detective
“Ryan Blue understands the importance of judicial restraint. He is a steady force both in his law practice and in protecting children. I’m proud to support someone who brings that principled dedication to our courts.”
Alana Sanderson
New Choice Visitations
"I've worked for years with vulnerable children, and I can say with confidence that Ryan Blue has always put the well-being of families first. He understands that even in the most difficult cases, maintaining a connection between a parent and child—when safe—is vital. Ryan has consistently supported efforts to ensure that children can see their parents, even if only under supervision, because he respects the deep and irreplaceable bond between them."
Greg Simmons
Reunited Father
"Ryan Blue represented me in a complex, out-of-state parental alienation case where I perceived the legal system was being used to harm our daughters. Ryan's empathy, intelligence, and deep commitment to families stood out from the start. He quickly grasped the ten-year history, assembled a skilled team of experts, and guided us through the reintegration process. Thanks to his tenacity and attention to detail, we achieved a lasting resolution—and today, I have a thriving, loving relationship with my youngest daughter. I’m deeply grateful."
Ramon Portilla
Global Brand Strategist,
HumanX Insight
“I served as a former board member of CASA with Ryan Blue. This organization is important to our community. It stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northwest Arkansas and it provides compassionate volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The people with CASA are committed to ensuring a consistent voice, safe home, and promising future for children in foster care . Ryan understands the importance of this organization!”
Gary Green
Marriage and Family Therapist
“Ryan Blue is running for Circuit Court hearing cases that impact families and children. Ryan's training as a Certified Mediator handling domestic cases, as well as his past experience working with neglect children serving as an Ad Litem - giving them a voice, makes him a great candidate for this position!”
Temple Carson
Professional Counselor in Rogers, Arkansas
"I’ve spent years helping children in some of the most difficult and emotional circumstances, and throughout that time, I’ve seen firsthand the kind of advocate Ryan Blue is. He consistently puts families first, with a clear understanding that a child’s well-being depends on more than just legal outcomes—it depends on preserving the human bonds that matter most. He approaches each case with care and thoroughness, taking the time to understand the full picture before making decisions. His steady, compassionate approach makes all the difference."
Dwilene Lindsey
Children's Advocate - Children 4 Tomorrow
"Today I am so proud of my three grown children and 9 grandchildren, and my passion is for children involved in domestic relations courts. I am a co-author to the Learning about Emotional Abuse Program (LEAP) for the Family Courts. I have relied upon Ryan's input in seminars sponsored to educate Courts and Attorneys on how to keep children out of the middle of emotional legal disputes. Ryan knows the importance of this mission."
Captain Andy Lee IV
Benton County Sheriff's Office
“I’ve witnessed firsthand Ryan’s deep commitment to his clients and, most importantly, their families. Not all courts are the same—criminal courts focus on victims’ rights and punishing wrongdoers. But in Family and Civil Courts, people often turn to the justice system as a last resort, facing deeply personal financial and emotional struggles. These courts demand a judge who listens with empathy and applies the law with fairness. Ryan is not only a skilled attorney, but a true advocate for children and families.”
Jana De la Rosa
Former Representative
“Ryan Blue understands the importance of judicial restraint and fidelity to our Constitution. As a candidate for the bench, he'll honor the proper role of the judiciary - applying the law as written, respecting the boundaries laid out by the legislature and the will of the people. I'm proud to support someone who brings that principled dedication to our courts.”
Emily Veasey
Professional Counselor in Bentonville, Arkansas
"As a licensed clinical social worker working with children and young adults, I’ve seen how important it is to have judges who truly understand families. Ryan Blue has shown that commitment throughout his legal career. He brings empathy, fairness, and a deep respect for the challenges families face—especially those navigating trauma, adoption, or major life changes. I trust Ryan to lead with compassion and integrity as our next Family Court Judge."
Carrie Whitfield
Gifted Specialist, Bentonville Schools
"Ryan Blue spent years lending his invaluable support and expertise to students in Bentonville Schools’ TREC Center for Gifted Education.
He volunteered his time to present to, meet and mentor students working to create their own mock trial arguments as well as donating curriculum resources, chaperoning local school court field trip experiences, and providing partnerships with community contacts in the legal field."
Staci Gathright, APRN
Family Medicine, Rogers, AR
"As a family nurse practitioner, I value calm, consistent judgment—and that’s exactly what Ryan Blue brings. I’ve known Ryan for years, and he approaches every situation with understanding, fairness, and steadiness.
His Master of Divinity deepens his compassion and insight. In family court, his even-keeled temperament will ensure decisions that put children first and strengthen our community. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
Kim Coats
Paralegal Program Coordinator/Faculty
"As Paralegal Program Coordinator and former law school faculty in Fayetteville, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many in the legal field—and Ryan Blue stands out. He’s approachable, detail-oriented, and genuinely committed to mentoring and collaborating with legal professionals at every level. His work ethic and respect for the legal process make him an outstanding choice for Family Court Judge. I’m proud to support his campaign."
Kelsey Smith
Land and Livestock Steward
A judge must uphold the law with experience, empathy, and fairness—especially in cases involving children. Ryan Blue understands the lifelong impact these decisions have. He guided us through the complex adoption of our two sons from foster care with clarity, professionalism, and heart. As a Benton County resident, business owner, and mom, I trust Ryan to lead with integrity and compassion in the courtroom, protecting the most vulnerable in our community.
Alice Eastwood
Director & Corporate Counsel, Legal Ethics and Compliance
I’ve spent my career navigating complex international legal and compliance issues, where integrity, professionalism, and patience are essential. Ryan Blue exemplifies those same qualities. He is hardworking, ethical, and approaches every challenge with a calm, steady presence. I trust his judgment, and I know he’ll bring fairness and thoughtfulness to the bench.
Ann Book
Fmr. Community Coordinator
"I have known Ryan for over for over 15 years and in that time have had the privilege of working alongside him in a variety of roles. In each area within which I've seen him work or volunteer, he has always given 100%, works hard to be fair and make decisions based on the law, is a passionate supporter of the constitution. I would expect nothing less from him if he's given the chance to serve Benton County as a District Court Judge for Division 6, and believe the people would be lucky to have him in service to this community in that role."