How the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Race Became Arkansas’s Most Watched Election

An election year is approaching in Arkansas, with campaigns underway for state representatives and several key local offices. As candidates step forward and races take shape, one contest is capturing more attention than any other. It is not the governor’s race, since Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will continue her term, but the upcoming election for Lonoke County Sheriff.

What makes this race stand out is that one of the candidates, Aaron Spencer, is awaiting trial for second-degree murder. Despite the charge, he has become an unexpected figure of support on social media.

The Story Behind the Candidacy

Spencer’s story has drawn intense attention across Arkansas. While he faces a serious criminal charge, many of his supporters view him as a father who acted when the system failed his family.

The 37-year-old is accused of killing a man with criminal records, who allegedly assaulted his 14-year-old daughter. Investigators say Spencer confronted the man after finding him in his truck with his daughter and shot him during an altercation. Spencer has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys argue that he acted to protect both himself and his daughter.

Two weeks ago, Spencer announced his candidacy for Lonoke County Sheriff in the 2026 election, directly challenging the current sheriff who led the investigation against him. The announcement drew nationwide attention and placed the race firmly in the spotlight.

The image Spencer has cultivated as a father driven by love and desperation has now become a central part of his campaign, positioning him as a man determined to fight for his community and its values.

Launching a Campaign Amid Legal Battle

Although Spencer has not yet spoken directly to the media, his attorney Erin Cassinelli has shared details about his intentions.

In a social media video announcing his candidacy, Spencer introduced himself by saying, “My name is Aaron Spencer. Many of you know my story. I'm the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed. I'm also a husband, a combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, a contractor, and a farmer.”

He continued, “Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court, and I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures. That’s why I’m announcing my candidacy for Lonoke County Sheriff.”

In the same video, Spencer said he was running “for every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and in their community,” adding that his campaign would focus on restoring public trust in law enforcement.

Attorney Cassinelli echoed that message, saying, “He’s running for the right reasons. He wants a better Lonoke County, one that’s safer for kids and better for his neighbors. He’s not running for fame or fortune; he’s doing this to make his community stronger. I’m excited about it and thrilled that the citizens of Lonoke will have him as an option for their next sheriff.”

The Legal Defense

Attorney Erin Cassinelli emphasized that Spencer’s campaign for sheriff and his ongoing criminal case are entirely separate matters, noting that the defense will “respect the process.”

“We believe that Arkansas law supports what Aaron did - that he was justified in protecting his daughter and himself from danger. We believe that will be proven at trial,” Cassinelli said. “But we want jurors who can listen to the evidence and render a decision based on facts, not outside opinions.”

The defense team expects the trial to bring clarity to what happened that night. Cassinelli added that Spencer’s message of accountability and transparency has been resonating with people throughout Lonoke County.

“People are really excited. They want transparency in their government. They want to feel safe, and they want to know that their public officials will work hard to keep them safe,” she said.

The Incumbent Responds

Current Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley, who has served since 2013, is seeking another term and may face Aaron Spencer in the upcoming election. In a video statement, Staley addressed the race directly.

“There are two distinct candidates in this race for sheriff: my opponent, who is facing second-degree murder charges, and me,” Staley said. “The Lonoke County prosecuting attorney found probable cause to file these charges, and there will be a trial in January where the actual facts will come to light.

I have been your sheriff since 2013 and have 25 years of law enforcement experience. We have been tough and aggressive on crime, holding murderers, drug dealers, sexual predators, and other criminals accountable. That is our job and our duty. It is an honor to be your sheriff. Doing what is right, not what is easy, has been my motto. Honesty and integrity are the foundation of law enforcement. I ask for your support in this election.”

Staley also confirmed that he stands by his department’s actions during Spencer’s arrest and said he welcomes a transparent campaign.

“We are eager to show the community what happened. The community is entitled to know and understand Aaron’s choices and the choices of its public officials,” he said.

What Lies Ahead

Spencer’s trial is set for January 26, just six weeks before the March 3 Republican primary, a timing that could directly shape his political future.

One major question circulating among residents is whether Spencer could legally serve if convicted. Under Arkansas law, a person convicted of a felony cannot hold public office, and any official found guilty after being elected would be removed from office.

Public opinion is sharply divided. While many oppose the idea of someone facing a murder charge running for public office, others believe Spencer’s actions were morally justified and see his campaign as a reflection of widespread frustration with the justice system. 

For now, the decision on Spencer’s future and the direction of the sheriff’s office lies with the jury.