Physicist and Pine Bluff native Chris Jones makes his bid for governor official Democratic candidate Chris Jones announces a run for governor. Pine Bluff native son Chris Jones announced his bid for governor in the same place where he set the stage for a boundless career as a nuclear engineer, urban planner and educator: at the Jefferson County Library. Jones, 44, said he wants to rebuild infrastructure, invest in health care and education and create more and better jobs. Advertisement “We have the talent, we have the potential, now it’s about the leadership,” he said. Jones was introduced by two childhood friends, neither of whom were surprised that Jones wants to lead his home state. Both lauded his teamwork, tenacity and passion.