Arkansas Gov. Sanders Plans Special Elections for Late Sen. Stubblefield's District 26 Seat

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has scheduled special election dates to fill the vacant Senate District 26 seat following the death of Sen. Gary Stubblefield. The special primary election is set for March 3, 2026, with a potential runoff on March 31, and the special general election will coincide with the regular election on November 3, 2026. Candidate filing will occur from November 3 to November 12, 2025, with certification deadlines following the elections. Gov. Sanders cited that holding an earlier special election within 150 days of the vacancy would be impractical and burdensome. The decision has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, who argue that delaying the election silences approximately 85,000 constituents in District 26 and accuse the governor of political motives. The election is expected to be contentious, including debates over local issues such as the proposed prison in Franklin County.