Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Sunday she will follow court orders to move up two special elections for vacant legislative seats – but only “under duress,” calling the rulings “unlawful” even as she complies.
The Arkansas Supreme Court last week refused Sanders’ request to pause Pulaski County court orders requiring earlier elections in Senate District 26 and House District 70. Sanders had originally scheduled both for June 9, 2026, but judges ruled that date violated state law and the constitutional rights of voters who would miss representation during the April fiscal session.
Under the new schedule, special primaries will be held Jan. 6, 2026, and the special general election will take place March 3.
Sanders said the court’s ruling forces a timeline that could limit ballot access for overseas military voters, a violation she argues could “invalidate the entire election.” While objecting, she said she will obey the order while continuing her appeal.
Sanders had set the June dates after the death of Sen. Gary Stubblefield and the resignation of Rep. Carlton Wing. Voters and the Democratic Party of Arkansas sued, saying a summer election delayed representation too long. The DPA called Sunday’s announcement “a huge win for democracy and for representation.”
Arkansas law requires special elections within 150 days unless that timeline is impracticable. Judges found Sanders’ June dates – more than 250 days after vacancies – exceeded what the law allows. Sanders countered that the courts overreached and replaced legislative policy with their own.
The cases remain on appeal.
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