GOP candidates dominate Fort Smith metro legislative races on first day of filing

Few Democrats emerged Monday (Nov. 3) in Arkansas House and Senate district races in the Fort Smith metro. Monday was the first day of filing for candidates in the 17 Senate seats and 100 House seats that will be on general election ballots around the state.

The last day of filing for the 2026 cycle is Nov. 11.

The only non-incumbent Democrats to file Monday in Fort Smith metro legislative districts were Courtney King in House district 25, Wendy Peer in House district 50, and Jane Ellen Udouj-Kutchka in House district 51.

Of the five Senate districts in the Fort Smith metro, three will have an election in 2026. Of Arkansas’ 35 Senate districts, 17 will be on the 2026 ballot. However, it remains uncertain when the election will be held for Senate district 26, which is vacant after the death of Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch.

Gov. Sarah Sanders set a special election for the district to be held June 9, 2026. A Pulaski County Circuit Court judge ruled that the date violated the constitutional rights of residents in the district and ordered an earlier election. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office has filed a notice to appeal the judge’s ruling.

The winner of the special election will serve through 2028. Senate District 26 includes parts of Franklin, Johnson, Logan and Sebastian counties. Towns in the large legislative district include Barling, Booneville, Charleston, Clarksville, Greenwood, Lamar, Lavaca, Ozark, and Paris.

SENATE RACES
Following are Senate candidates who filed or have announced to run in districts that are in or partially in the Fort Smith metro.
Senate District 26 (vacated by the death of Sen. Gary Stubblefield)
Mark Berry — R
Brad Simon — R
Ted Tritt – R
Stacie Smith – R

Senate District 27
Sen. Justin Boyd, R-Fort Smith

Senate District 28
Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest
Bobby Ballinger — R

HOUSE RACES
Following are House candidates who filed or have announced to run in districts that are in or partially in the Fort Smith metro.
House District 24
Rep. Brad Hall, R-Rudy

House District 25
Rep. Chad Puryear, R-Hindsville
Courtney King – D

House District 26
Rep. James Eaton, R-Huntsville

House District 45
Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville

House District 46 (Rep. Jon Eubanks, R-Paris, is term-limited)
Tonya Fletcher — R
Brian Cooper – R
Curtis Varnell – R
Ronnie Young – R

House District 47
Rep. Lee Johnson, R-Greenwood

House District 48
Rep. Ryan Rose, R-Van Buren

House District 49
Rep. Jay Richardson, D-Fort Smith

House District 50
Rep. Zach Gramlich, R-Fort Smith
Wendy Peer – D

House District 51
Rep. Cindy Crawford, R-Fort Smith
Jane-Ellen Udouj-Kutchka – D

House District 52 (Rep. Marcus Richmond, R-Mena, is term-limited)
Crystal Malloy — R
Brent Montgomery — R
Mike Jones — R
Kristain Thompson — R

Link here for a complete and updated list of state and federal elections in Arkansas.