Claim: Bill Clinton worked.

The Governor of Arkansas is the head of the executive branch of Arkansas 's state government and the commander-in-chief of the state 's military forces . The governor has a duty to enforce state laws , and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Arkansas General Assembly , to convene the legislature , and to grant pardons , except in cases of treason and impeachment .   The state has had 45 elected governors , as well as 10 acting governors who assumed powers and duties following the resignation or death of the governor , totaling 55 distinct terms . Before becoming a state , Arkansas Territory had four governors appointed to it by the President of the United States . Orval Faubus served the longest term as state governor , being elected six times to serve twelve years . Bill Clinton , elected five times over two distinct terms , fell only one month short of twelve years . The shortest term for an elected governor was the 38 days served by John Sebastian Little before his nervous breakdown ; one of the acting successors to his term , Jesse M. Martin , served only three days , the shortest stint overall . The current governor is Asa Hutchinson , who took office on January 13 , 2015 after his election on November 4 , 2014 .