HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. — Thomas Kendrick, a longtime attorney who has primarily served as a court-appointed public defender in north-central Arkansas, is running for Circuit Judge in Division 2 of the 16th Judicial District in the March 3, 2026, nonpartisan election.
Kendrick announced his candidacy in July 2025 for the open seat left by incumbent Judge Don McSpadden, who is not seeking re-election. Division 2 handles domestic relations cases—including divorces, guardianships, adoptions and child-related matters—as well as overseeing the district’s drug court program across Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard and Stone counties.
In his campaign announcement and materials on kendrickforjudge.com, Kendrick explained his motivation stems from years of observing repeat offenders in the justice system, largely due to drug addiction. He recounted a client who requested drug court or some form of accountability, but he had to inform her it was not available at the time—a moment that prompted his run for office. “Over the years I have seen the same people coming back and forth through our justice system,” Kendrick said at the Independence County Bar Association judicial forum on Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. “The main reason for that is drug addiction.”
Kendrick has built his career representing thousands of clients as a court-appointed lawyer, handling new cases weekly in circuit court. He emphasizes his courtroom experience, dedication to public defense and belief that judicial decisions must be grounded in law while addressing root causes like substance abuse through programs such as drug court.
His campaign website highlights his work in the district and commitment to fairness in family and accountability matters. Kendrick maintains an active Facebook page at facebook.com/Thomas-Kendrick-for-Circuit-Judge, where supporters, including drug court graduates, have shared positive messages about his impact.
He is one of three candidates in the race, facing Kara Byars and Scott Davidson. Kendrick’s professional background includes practice in Heber Springs, and he has participated in community forums to discuss his qualifications.
Voters in the five-county district will decide the nonpartisan contest on March 3. For more information, visit kendrickforjudge.com or follow his campaign on Facebook. All candidates are presumed qualified unless otherwise noted by election authorities.
