Arkansas voters will decide the composition of next year’s General Assembly, with both chambers holding elections that could affect the state’s legislative direction. The State Senate has 35 seats total, and 17 are up for regularly scheduled elections in 2026. Of those, 12 races feature only one candidate, effectively guaranteeing those seats.
State Senate Overview
Two special elections are also on the calendar. In District 1, a special election will fill the unexpired term of Ben Gilmore, who resigned to join the state attorney general’s office. District 18, covering White County and parts of Cleburne and Faulkner counties, will hold a special primary on Nov. 3 after Jonathan Dismang stepped down for an executive role with Arkansas Electric Cooperatives. Both parties have unopposed candidates in those races, and the general election will pit Camille Feyen against Will Moore on Jan. 5, 2027.
Overall, seven Senate seats remain truly competitive. Two Democratic candidates run unopposed, and two Democratic seats are not up for election this cycle. Depending on the outcomes, Democrats could hold as few as two seats or as many as eleven after the November and January contests. Regardless of the final tally, Republicans are assured of retaining the Senate majority.
State House Landscape
All 100 House seats are on the ballot this November, but the majority of candidates are running unopposed. Thirteen Democrats and 49 Republicans face no opposition, leaving 38 districts with contested races. Because Republicans already control a substantial majority, they need to win only two of those 38 contested seats to maintain their dominance in the House.
Democratic leaders remain hopeful of narrowing the Republican supermajority. “One of the things they’re hoping to do is to eat away at the supermajority. The three‑fourths supermajority that Republicans have in the legislature. You need a three‑fourths vote, you know, to pass just about every single budget bill. Democrats see some opportunities to cut into that, and have some more influence in the legislature,” said Andrew DeMillo of the Arkansas Advocate.
Special Election in House District 8
House District 8, covering parts of northern Benton County, will also hold a special election. The seat became vacant after longtime incumbent Austin McCollum resigned in August following an arrest on assault and battery charges. Republican Brian Armas is running unopposed for the full‑term seat this November and is slated to assume office in January. However, the unexpired term must be filled sooner. On the ballot for the interim slot are Brian Armas’ wife, Kara Armas (Republican), and Parker John Stohlton (Democrat).
These special elections and the high number of uncontested races underscore the entrenched partisan landscape in Arkansas, yet they also provide opportunities for both parties to adjust their legislative strategies ahead of the next session.
What Voters Should Know
- Check your precinct for polling locations and early‑voting options.
- Review candidate filings on the Arkansas Secretary of State website to confirm ballot listings.
- Special elections in Districts 1, 18 (Senate) and District 8 (House) will determine who fills unexpired terms before the regular session begins.
Understanding where contests are competitive and where seats are already decided can help Arkansas voters make informed choices that shape the state’s policy agenda for years to come.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
