LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas voters will cast ballots in primary elections March 3, 2026, to determine Democratic and Republican nominees for the November general election, along with nonpartisan judicial contests.
Early voting begins Feb. 17 and runs through March 3, with Election Day polling locations open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sample ballots are accessible online, and additional candidate information for state legislative seats is available through official state resources.
In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Republican Sen. Tom Cotton seeks reelection after 13 years in office, facing primary challenges from Micah Ashby, who advocates for term limits and fresh leadership, and Jeb Little, an Arkansas State Police trooper emphasizing ethics and anti-corruption measures. On the Democratic side, candidates include Hallie Shoffner, a former farmer critical of Cotton’s record, and Ethan Dunbar, mayor of Lewisville and an Army veteran.
For U.S. House seats:
- First District: No primaries; incumbent Republican Rep. Rick Crawford faces Democratic challenger Terri Yarbrough Green in November.
- Second District: Incumbent Republican Rep. French Hill, in office since 2015, faces Chase McDowell in the primary. Democrats Chris Jones, the 2022 gubernatorial nominee, and educator Zack Huffman are competing for their party’s nod.
- Third District: No primaries; incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Womack will face Democrat Robb Ryerse and independent Christopher Hocevar in the general election.
- Fourth District: Democrats Steven O’Donnell and James Russell vie for the nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Bruce Westerman.
The governor’s race features incumbent Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who faces no primary opposition. Democratic contenders include state legislator Fredrick Love, serving since 2011 and focused on community improvements, and Supha Xayprasith-Mays, the 2022 nominee emphasizing inclusivity and transparency.
In the Arkansas Supreme Court, Associate Justices Cody Hiland and Nicholas Bronni, both appointed by Sanders, are effectively swapping seats due to term limits. Hiland runs unopposed. Bronni faces challenger John Adams, who highlights his practical legal experience.
The 6th Judicial District prosecuting attorney race pits incumbent Will Jones against Bobby Forrest Jr. Jones has acknowledged a personal affair with a deputy, while Forrest has drawn attention for past public service and statements.
A special election for House District 70, vacated by former Republican Rep. Carlton Wing in September 2025, features Republican Bo Renshaw and Democrat Alex Holladay. The winner will serve during the upcoming fiscal session.
Voters are encouraged to review candidate platforms and ballots ahead of time. The general election follows on Nov. 3, 2026.
