Election Day on Tuesday offers choices for President, Congress, judicial races

The primary calendar will be light for many Arkansas voters on Tuesday (March 5), but there are several important races to consider.

Elections for President, Congress, the Arkansas Supreme Court, and local races will dominate primary ballots this week.

For President, Republican primary voters will choose from former President Donald Trump and eight other candidates, some of whom have dropped out of the race. Democratic primary voters will be offered the choices of President Joe Biden and five others.

For U.S. Congress in the Third District, which includes the Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith Metro, incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, faces a primary challenge from State Sen. Clint Penzo, R-Springdale.

Statewide, the Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice race between Justice Karen Baker, attorney Jay Martin, Justice Barbara Webb, and Justice Rhonda Wood will garner much attention. A runoff, which will take place in the November 5th general election, is expected in the high-profile nonpartisan judicial race.

There is also competition for Associate Justice, Position 2. Justice Courtney Hudson faces Circuit Judge Carlton Jones for the seat vacated by the death of Justice Robin Wynne.

A handful of partisan legislative primaries can be found around the state, including several involving incumbents. State Sen. Steve Crowell, R-Magnolia, and State Sen. Dave Wallace, R-Leachville, face primary challengers. Rep. Fran Cavanaugh, R-Walnut Ridge, Rep. Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, and Rep. Steven Walker, R-Horseshoe Bend, are all facing primary challenges.

On the Democratic side of the aisle, Rep. Fred Allen, D-Little Rock, Rep. Denise Ennett, D-Little Rock, Rep. Steve Magie, D-Conway, and Rep. Joy Springer, D-Little Rock, are facing primary challenges.

The Arkansas Secretary of State’s office has a Voter View website that can help you find your polling location , while Ballotpedia has a handy tool to help you learn who may be on your ballot this Tuesday.

On this week’s Talk Business & Politics and Capitol View TV programs, former Democratic State Sen. Joyce Elliott, now head of Get Loud Arkansas, and GOP strategist Bill Vickery of Capitol Advisors Group shared their analysis of Tuesday’s primaries and beyond. Watch their full interview below.