BATESVILLE, Ark. — Kara Byars, an experienced small-town attorney with deep roots in north-central Arkansas, is running for Circuit Judge in Division 2 of the 16th Judicial District in the March 3, 2026, nonpartisan election.
Byars announced her candidacy in May 2025 for the open seat, as incumbent Circuit Judge Don McSpadden is not seeking re-election. Division 2 covers Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard and Stone counties and handles a mix of civil and criminal cases at the trial level.
Her campaign website, byars4judge.com, describes her as “Experienced. Dedicated. Committed to Justice.” Byars emphasizes her broad legal practice as a small-town lawyer, which has allowed her to handle nearly every type of case that comes before circuit court, while working closely with law enforcement, community leaders and residents. She highlights strong law firm management skills developed over her career, combined with knowledge, temperament and courtroom experience that she believes qualify her for the bench.
“I believe I have the knowledge, temperament, and experience to serve as Circuit Judge,” Byars states on her site.
Byars has dedicated decades to community service beyond the courtroom, including 10 years on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, six years on the Arkansas Cowboys Association Board, sponsorship of rodeos, livestock shows and youth sports teams, volunteering at youth events, speaking at career days, and supporting organizations like the Independence County Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She describes her campaign as the next chapter in a lifelong commitment to the community.
In campaign videos and statements shared on her Facebook page (facebook.com/byars4circuitjudge), Byars stresses fairness, patience, integrity, respect for every individual in the courtroom, and building strong communities on fairness, integrity and trust. She has expressed gratitude for family support, including from her husband and sister Kayla Turner, throughout the campaign.
Byars is one of three candidates in the race: she faces Scott Davidson and Thomas Kendrick in the nonpartisan general election on March 3. She participated in community outreach and events leading up to the vote, with early voting concluding March 2.
For more information, visit byars4judge.com or follow her campaign on Facebook. Voters in the five-county district will decide the race on March 3. All candidates are presumed qualified unless otherwise noted by election authorities.
