HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. — Incumbent Circuit Judge Holly Meyer is campaigning for re-election to Division 1 of the 16th Judicial District in the March 3, 2026, nonpartisan election, highlighting her decade on the bench and extensive prior experience in prosecution and trial work.
Meyer, who serves primarily in Cleburne County but presides over cases across the five-county district (Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard and Stone), was appointed to the circuit bench by Governor Asa Hutchinson in March 2015 for a term ending in 2016. She was elected to Division 1 in 2019 and has served continuously since, marking 10 years as a circuit judge. Division 1 handles civil and probate matters, along with other non-specialized cases.
A Batesville resident with ties to the region, Meyer earned her bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law in 1988. Before ascending to the circuit court, she spent 25 years as a circuit court trial attorney and served as Prosecuting Attorney for the 16th Judicial District, becoming the first woman in that role. She has tried more than 125 jury trials and boasts unmatched courtroom experience, including time as senior deputy prosecuting attorney in the 6th Judicial District.
As Administrative Judge for the district, Meyer oversees case assignments and administrative planning. She has presided over significant civil matters and was recently affirmed by the Arkansas Court of Appeals in a 2026 ruling upholding her decision on county hiring authority in a dispute involving a district court clerk position.
Her campaign, active on Facebook at facebook.com/Holly-Meyer-for-Circuit-Judge, emphasizes her pioneering role as the first female Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Judge in the district, along with her commitment to leading by example, particularly for young women in the legal profession. Meyer has participated in community events, including fair appearances, and attended the Independence County Bar Association judicial forum on Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.
Meyer is challenging District Judge Chaney Taylor in the race. She describes her approach as dedicated to fair, efficient administration of justice across the district.
For more information, follow her campaign page or contact the respective county election offices. Voters in the five-county district will decide the race on March 3. All candidates are presumed qualified unless otherwise noted by election authorities.
