Bentonville Mayor Orman files for reelection

Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman officially filed Thursday (Aug. 1) for reelection to the city’s top post. Steve Galen, who announced his mayoral bid earlier this year, has also filed to run for mayor. The filing period for municipal candidates ends at noon on Aug. 7.

After serving as a city council member for four years, Orman was elected Bentonville mayor in December 2018. She won 63.27% of the vote in a runoff election against Jim Webb, a former city council member who worked for an outdoor toy company supplier.

In the general election on Nov. 6, Webb (5,595 votes) and Orman (5,193) were separated by about 400 votes. John Skaggs, a retired municipal and district judge who served two terms on the city council, was a distant third.

Before starting in her role as the city’s top elected official in January 2019, Orman was director of social media and community involvement for McLarty Daniel Automotive in Bentonville.

According to her campaign statement, Bentonville has been ranked as the nation’s fifth fastest-growing city and received awards such as “Volunteer Community of the Year” and “Trendsetter City of the Year” during her tenure. She has implemented the Bentonville 311 communication system, developed a comprehensive city plan for sustainable growth, and overseen the construction of a state-of-the-art fire training tower, achieving an ISO 1 rating for the fire department, which has helped lower insurance costs for residents.

“I am running for re-election because my commitment to Bentonville is rooted in a profound love for this community and a vision for its bright future,” Orman said in a statement. “Together, we have made incredible strides, transforming our city into a model of growth, innovation, and resilience. I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from the citizens of Bentonville and am honored to continue serving this incredible community. Let’s continue to make Bentonville the best place to live, work, and play.”

The mayor also serves on several boards and committees, including the Northwest Health Board of Trustees and the NWA Conservation Authority Board.

Galen told the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal in June he was challenging Mayor Orman to promote growth while retaining the city’s “distinct charm.”

“Bentonville is one of the most amazing places to live in the country, but we stand at a pivotal point in time,” he said. “We need to continue to promote growth while still protecting Bentonville’s distinct charm. To seize this moment, we need strong, professional leadership.”

Galen has the support and endorsements from former Bentonville Mayors Bob McCaslin (2006-2018) and Terry Coberly (1994-2006).

Early voting in the general election begins Oct. 21. Election Day is Nov. 5.