Who’s Running Arkansas? Inside the 2026 Election Filings

Candidate filing for Arkansas’s 2026 primary and general elections closed at noon on Wednesday, November 12, finalizing the full list of candidates for key state positions. The November ballot will include races for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. representatives, senators, and several other important offices. While Arkansas remains a solidly Republican state where many incumbents are running unopposed, a few contests, including some primary races, are already generating interest and could turn into some of the most closely watched races of the season.

Governor Awaits a Democrat Challenger

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump, faces no opposition within her own party, as expected. On the Democratic side, two candidates have stepped forward to challenge her.

State Senator Fred Love, who previously served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2013 and was once the chamber’s minority leader, has filed to run for governor. He will face Supha Xayprasith-Mays in the Democratic primary. Xayprasith-Mays, a former corporate executive and media entrepreneur, brings a varied professional background that includes work as an investor, philanthropist, speaker, publisher, and president of Inclusion Magazine and Inclusion Radio & Media Co.

There will be no race for lieutenant governor in this cycle. The lieutenant governor, Arkansas’s second-highest elected official, oversees the state Senate and casts tie-breaking votes when necessary. Republican Leslie Rutledge will remain in the position, as no Democratic candidates have filed to challenge her.

The Races for Congress

In Arkansas’s congressional races, few surprises have emerged so far. 

In District 1, incumbent Republican Congressman Rick Crawford, who has represented the district since 2011, will face Democrat Terri Yarbrough Green. Given the district’s strong Republican base, the race is not expected to be closely contested, and no primaries will be held for either party.

In District 2, which includes the Little Rock area and remains the least Republican-leaning district in the state, incumbent Congressman French Hill, Republican, will face a primary challenge from Chase McDowell. On the Democratic side, Chris Jones, the party’s 2022 nominee for governor, will compete against educator Zack Huffman in the primary.

In District 3, encompassing the state’s most urbanized region in northwest Arkansas, there will be no Republican primary. Longtime incumbent Congressman Steve Womack, who has held the seat since 2011, is running unopposed within his party. The Democratic primary will feature Diana Lawrence and Robb Ryerse.

Meanwhile, in District 4, Republican Congressman Bruce Westerman will continue without opposition in his party. The Democratic primary will include Steven Layne O-Donnell and James “Rus” Russell III, a mental health advocate.

Other Key Races

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Senator Tom Cotton, a strong ally of President Trump who has received his endorsement, will face Micah Ashby and Jeb Little in the Republican primary for a seat considered safely Republican. On the Democratic side, the primary will feature Hallie Shoffner, a sixth-generation farmer, and Lewisville Mayor Ethan N. Dunbar.

For Secretary of State, Republican Senator Kim Hammer will compete against Bryan Norris and Judge Cathy Hardin Harrison in the GOP primary, while Kelly Grappe is the sole Democratic candidate.

The race for Commissioner of State Lands will include a Republican primary between Secretary of State Cole Jester and Christian Olson.

Several other offices will have no contests, including Attorney General Tim Griffin, Auditor of State Dennis Milligan, and positions on the Arkansas Supreme Court. Justice Nick Bronni will continue in Associate Justice Position 3, and Justice Cody Hiland will remain in Associate Justice Position 6.

Special Elections Add Interest

Special elections add an element of excitement to Arkansas’s 2026 political calendar, which might otherwise seem predictable. However, the exact election dates remain uncertain as legal challenges are still being resolved in court. The candidates for these contests are already in place and will run alongside those in the regular elections.

One of the most anticipated races is shaping up in Senate District 26, which has been vacant since the passing of Senator Gary Stubblefield. The seat, tied to a controversial state prison project, has drawn independent candidate Adam Watson, who will face five Republican hopefuls: Wade Dunn, Stacie Smith, Ted Tritt, Mark Berry, and Brad Simon. The Republican primary is expected to generate strong public interest and close attention.

Another special election will be held in House District 70, a competitive seat where Representative Carlton Wing is not seeking reelection. Bo Renshaw, a Republican, will face the eventual Democratic nominee, who will be chosen in a primary between Alex Holladay and Cordelia Smith-Johnson.

A Withdrawal to Note

In an unexpected turn, State Representative Brad Hall has withdrawn from the 2026 election, according to a letter submitted to the Secretary of State. His exit follows personal controversy surrounding his ongoing divorce case. Hall recently requested that the records of his divorce be sealed after his wife accused him of sexual misconduct and coercion during their marriage. Her complaint alleged that Hall pressured her into relationships with other men, one of whom allegedly assaulted her multiple times, and also claimed that Hall engaged in extramarital affairs. In court filings, Hall denied all allegations but has since chosen to withdraw from the race.

With Hall’s withdrawal, three candidates remain in the race for the District 24 seat: Charlene Fite, Melissa Koler, and Ryan Intchauspe.

Countdown to the General Election

The 2026 primaries are scheduled for March 3, with potential runoffs on March 31, after which the final list of contenders will be confirmed. This election season is shaping up to be far from dull, with several primaries, including the Senate District 26 race, expected to attract significant public interest amid an energized political climate. The general election will take place on November 3, 2026.