Maureen Harrod will seek circuit judge seat in 16th Judicial District

Maureen Harrod will seek the Circuit Judge, Division 4, seat in Arkansas’ 16th Judicial District, which includes Cleburne, Fulton, Izard, Independence, and Stone counties. The division handles all felony court cases in that district. Harrod is a former deputy prosecutor, appellate attorney, jurist, and public servant in the district, with more than 26 years of legal experience.

“I’ve dedicated my career to upholding the law and serving the people of this district with fairness and integrity,” Harrod said. “I’m running for the criminal division because I have the necessary experience to balance our rights as American citizens while ensuring justice, accountability, and respect for every individual who enters the courtroom.”

Harrod previously served as circuit judge for two years in 2017 and 2018, presiding over civil and probate dockets and order of protection cases. Her judicial experience also includes serving as a special associate justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court, Quitman City Court Judge, and special county judge for cases in Independence and Searcy counties.

Earlier in her career, Harrod served nearly a decade as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Stone, and Pulaski counties. She prosecuted thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases, often serving as lead counsel in jury trials. Her private practice, which has spanned more than 20 years in the district, includes a broad range of civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases.

Harrod currently serves on the Arkansas Model Jury Instruction Commission and previously served on the Arkansas Judicial Council Domestic Violence Advisory Committee.

In addition to courtroom work, she was elected councilwoman and city attorney for Heber Springs and served as city prosecutor for Mountain View. In these roles, she advised the mayor and city council, prosecuted city-level offenses, and provided training to local law enforcement in criminal procedure and legal standards.

“There is no more important time than now to elect strong, experienced judges that will follow the law and uphold the Constitution,” Harrod said. “I will ensure our courts are led by someone who knows the law, knows the community, and respects the responsibility that comes with wearing the robe. I would appreciate your vote on March 3, 2026.”