HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. — Maureen Harrod, a veteran attorney and former circuit judge in the 16th Judicial District, is seeking election to Division 4 in the March 3, 2026, nonpartisan election, emphasizing her extensive experience in prosecution, appellate work and judicial service.
Harrod, who resides in Heber Springs, announced her candidacy in June 2025 for the seat handling felony and criminal cases across Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard and Stone counties. She is challenging Kimberly Edington in the race.
Previously appointed to the 16th Judicial Circuit in October 2016 by Governor Asa Hutchinson (as Maureen Hazinski Harrod), she served as Circuit Judge for Division 1, with chambers in Mountain View, Stone County. Her prior judicial tenure included handling civil and probate matters before transitioning to private practice or other roles leading up to her 2026 campaign.
Harrod’s background includes service as a deputy prosecutor, where she handled numerous criminal cases, as well as work as an appellate attorney and public defender. Her campaign highlights being “grounded in experience” and “guided by fairness,” with a record of prosecuting over 10,000 criminal cases noted in campaign materials.
She maintains an active campaign presence, including a website at votemaureenharrod.com, a Facebook page at facebook.com/votemaureenharrod and an Instagram account @maureenharrodforjudge. Harrod participated in the Independence County Bar Association judicial forum on Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, joining other candidates to discuss qualifications and judicial philosophy.
Her professional affiliations and community involvement reflect a focus on public safety, accountability and efficient administration of justice in felony proceedings.
Voters in the five-county district will decide the nonpartisan race on March 3. For more information, visit votemaureenharrod.com or follow her campaign social media. All candidates are presumed qualified unless otherwise noted by election authorities.
