Sam Dubke, communications director for Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. (Courtesy of Sam Dubke)
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced her former deputy communications director will become her top communications director on Monday, more than a month after the role was vacated.
In addition to being Sanders’ former deputy communications director, Sam Dubke also served as her speechwriter since February 2023.
Arkansas governor’s chief spokesperson announces departure
“Sam is an efficient and effective communicator who has been alongside me since I first entered office,” Sanders said in a press release. “He brings political and public sector experience and, in his new role, he’ll lead a talented team and continue to help me communicate my bold, conservative agenda to Arkansans across the state.”
Dubke is a Georgetown University graduate.
Before joining Sanders’ team, Dubke previously worked as a speechwriter for Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, according to a press release. He also worked on the communications teams for former President Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign as well as the campaign for Virginia’s Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
According to the Arkansas Transparency website, which lists the salaries of state employees, Dubke earns $101.969.92 annually.
Dubke will replace Alexa Henning as Sanders’ top spokesperson.
Henning announced her departure for a Washington D.C.-based public affairs firm in August. She worked alongside Sanders for nearly two years in Arkansas, though their work relationship began when they were both involved in the Trump administration.
While Sanders served as Trump’s press secretary, Henning was the director of broadcast media.
Henning previously earned a salary of $132,360, according to the Arkansas Transparency website. She is no longer listed as a state employee.
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