More than 400 Arkansans have entered the 2026 election cycle ahead of Wednesday’s filing deadline, setting up several rematches and a handful of special elections ahead of the November general election.
The 2026 ballot will feature Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, who are both seeking reelection. Sanders faces Democratic challengers State Sen. Fred Love of Mabelvale and Supha Xayprasith-Mays of Bentonville, while Cotton will face either Hallie Shoffner of Newport or Lewisville Mayor Ethan Dunbar, depending on the outcome of the Democratic primary.
In North Arkansas, Jeb Little of Harrison filed to run against Cotton in the Republican primary. The 1st Congressional District, which includes Baxter and surrounding counties, will see Democrat Terri Yarbrough Green challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, who is seeking his ninth term.
Two special legislative elections are also on the calendar for June 9, 2026, to fill the seats of the late Sen. Gary Stubblefield of Branch and former Rep. Carlton Wing of North Little Rock. Five Republicans including Mark Berry of Ozark and Wade Dunn of Greenwood have filed to run for Stubblefield’s Senate District 26 seat, which covers parts of Franklin, Johnson, Logan, and Sebastian counties.
Across the state, several rematches from 2024 are set, with returning Democratic challengers filing again against sitting Republican House members.
The primary election for partisan races is set for March 3, 2026, alongside nonpartisan judicial races. The general election will follow on Nov. 3, with runoff contests, if needed, scheduled for Dec. 1.
For original reporting from Arkansas Advocate, click here.
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