Payton knocks out Sturch in Senate race; Rep. Richmond lone incumbent to win run off race
by June 22, 2022 12:24 am 1,649 views
Former State Sen. Bryan King’s defeat of Sen. Bob Ballinger was the most-watched run off election of the night Tuesday (June 21). In addition to races in Northwest Arkansas, there were a number of GOP run off races in other parts of the state.
Rep. John Payton, R-Wilburn, defeated State Senator James Sturch, R-Batesville, by a 59-41% margin, according to unofficial preliminary results. The seat covers territory in north central and Northeast Arkansas.
There is no general election opponent in the Senate District 22 race, so Payton will be Sen.-elect.
On the House side:
In House District 2, Republican Trey Steimel defeated Rep. Marsh Davis, R-Cherokee Village, 59-41%. Steimel will face Libertarian Teresa Norman in the general election.
In House District 27, Republican Steven Walker defeated Republican Timmy Reid 57-43%. With no general election opponents, Walker will be Representative-elect.
In House District 39, Republican Wayne Long defeated Republican Judge Robert Griffin 59-41%. Long will face Libertarian Clayton Hall in November.
In House District 52, Rep. Marcus Richmond, R-Harvey, bucked the night’s trend by being the only incumbent in a run off race to win re-election. He defeated Republican Mike Jones 63-37% in their run off race. Richmond faces Independent John Wayne Catlett in the general election.
For more coverage of Tuesday’s legislative run off races, click here.