The Arkansas Supreme Court on Wednesday denied Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request to pause two lower court rulings that require her to set earlier special election dates to fill two vacant legislative seats.
The high court also rejected a separate request from Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office to consolidate the two cases.
In short, identical orders that did not include written explanations, the justices granted the state’s motion for expedited consideration of the appeals but declined to stay the lower court decisions. Associate Justice Rhonda Wood said she would have approved a faster briefing schedule, while Associate Justice Barbara Webb did not participate.
“I am disappointed by the rulings and will continue to vigorously defend the Governor and Secretary of State,” Griffin said in a statement through a spokesperson. Griffin’s office is representing Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester in both cases.
The rulings stem from Sanders’ decision to set special elections for June 9, 2026, to fill the Senate District 26 and House District 70 seats left vacant in September following the death of Sen. Gary Stubblefield of Branch and the resignation of Rep. Carlton Wing of North Little Rock.
Plaintiffs – including voters from both districts and the Democratic Party of Arkansas – argued that waiting until June would deprive constituents of representation during the Legislature’s April fiscal session, where major issues such as education and prison funding are expected to be debated.
Two Pulaski County Circuit judges ruled last month that the June 2026 election dates violated state law and constitutional guarantees of representation. Judge Shawn Johnson ordered Sanders to set the House District 70 election for March 3, while Judge Patricia James directed that the Senate District 26 election be held “as soon as practicable” after the statutory deadline.
A June election would occur 252 days after Wing’s resignation – roughly 152 days beyond the 150-day limit outlined in state law.
The Supreme Court’s decision means Sanders must proceed with setting earlier election dates while the state’s appeals move forward.
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