MELBOURNE, Ark. — Mathew Gray Dellinger, a longtime attorney in north-central Arkansas, is running for Circuit Judge in Division 3 of the 16th Judicial District in the March 3, 2026, nonpartisan election.
Dellinger has practiced law in the 16th Judicial District for more than two decades, focusing primarily on family law and criminal defense, with particular emphasis on serving underserved communities.
According to his campaign website, dellinger4judge.com, he has handled more than 5,000 cases over the course of his career. “I have been a practicing attorney in the 16th Judicial Circuit for over 2 decades. I have focused on family and criminal defense law, especially in our underserved communities. Over the course of my career, I have handled more than 5,000 cases,” the site states. “I believe my legal experiences qualify me to hold this important position.”
Division 3 of the 16th Judicial District, which includes Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard and Stone counties, primarily handles juvenile matters and child support cases. Dellinger is challenging incumbent Circuit Judge Lee Harrod in the race.
His campaign platform centers on “Justice with Integrity, Fairness, and Experience.” Dellinger emphasizes a commitment to courtroom conduct, promising: “If elected, I promise to treat everyone who comes before the court with dignity and respect.”
On social media and in public statements, Dellinger has reiterated a pledge of “Respect, Kindness, and Fairness for all in the courtroom.” He has actively campaigned across the district, including appearances in Fulton County and events such as meet-and-greets, expressing gratitude for opportunities to discuss his qualifications.
Dellinger announced his candidacy in July 2025 and participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Independence County Bar Association on Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, where he addressed voters alongside other judicial contenders.
His law practice is based in Melbourne, Arkansas, where he operates the Dellinger Law Firm.
Voters in the five-county district will decide the race on March 3. For more information on Dellinger’s campaign, visit dellinger4judge.com. All candidates are presumed qualified unless otherwise noted by election authorities.
