BATESVILLE, Ark. — Incumbent Circuit Judge Lee Harrod is campaigning for re-election to Division 3 of the 16th Judicial District in the March 3, 2026, nonpartisan election, drawing on more than 17 years of experience on the circuit bench and a background in private practice and local judging.
Harrod, who presides primarily in Independence County but serves cases across Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard and Stone counties, was first elected to the Division 3 seat in 2008. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2020, and is now seeking another term. Division 3 focuses on juvenile matters and child support cases.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas with both his bachelor’s degree (1993) and Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law (1999), Harrod previously practiced law in Heber Springs, where he maintained a private firm. He supplemented his practice by serving as a judge for the City of Quitman, as a special judge in Cleburne County District Court and as a special circuit judge for Division 3 on multiple occasions before his full election to the bench.
Harrod also serves as Chairman of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, to which he was appointed in 2018 (term expiring 2025), reflecting his involvement in statewide judicial oversight and ethics.
At the Independence County Bar Association judicial forum on Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Harrod discussed his approach to the bench, emphasizing clear expectations, fairness to all parties, allowing voices to be heard and maintaining order in the courtroom. He has highlighted his long tenure in handling sensitive juvenile and family-related cases.
His chambers are located at 368 East Main Street, Batesville, AR 72501, with contact at 870-793-8809.
Harrod is challenged by attorney Mathew Gray Dellinger in the race. Voters in the five-county district will decide the nonpartisan contest on March 3. For more information on the election, contact county election commissions or visit the Arkansas Secretary of State website. All candidates are presumed qualified unless otherwise noted by election authorities.
