Arkansas Parties Vote to Hold District 26 Primaries

A vacancy opened in Arkansas Senate District 26 after the Sept. 2 death of Republican Sen. Gary Stubblefield; the vacancy was certified by the governor in mid-September, triggering state law procedures. On Sept. 24–25 both the state Republican and Democratic parties voted to hold special primary elections (not delegate conventions) to choose their nominees, with party leaders saying primaries best preserve voters’ voices. By law the governor will set the special election date to occur as soon as practical after the statutory waiting period of about 150 days following the vacancy declaration; no date has been set. At least two Republicans — former state Rep. Mark Berry and businessman Brad Simon — have announced campaigns, while reports list Ted Tritt as a potential contender; Democrats had not yet named a nominee. The planned Franklin County prison site and related infrastructure concerns are expected to be a central issue, with Stubblefield a vocal opponent and Democrats framing the contest as an opportunity to oppose the prison and flip the seat; the special election will cover parts of Franklin, Johnson, Logan and Sebastian counties.