Arkansas voters are preparing to choose their next United States Senator in the 2026 midterm election. The race features three candidates: incumbent Republican Senator Tom Cotton, Democrat Hallie Shoffner, and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin.
Tom Cotton – Republican incumbent
Senator Tom Cotton brings a distinguished record of public service to his campaign. A veteran of both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Cotton earned a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School before entering politics. He served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives and defeated Democratic incumbent Senator Mark Pryor in 2014. Since taking office, Cotton has risen to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee, a role he assumed in January 2025.
Hallie Shoffner – Democratic challenger
Hallie Shoffner, a sixth‑generation farmer from Newport, Arkansas, is the Democratic nominee. Shoffner entered the race after her family farm closed due to economic pressures, prompting her to advocate for rural and agricultural issues. She holds a degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock.
Jeff Wadlin – Libertarian candidate
Jeff Wadlin, a businessman based in Bentonville, represents the Libertarian Party. He runs a consulting firm and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Northwestern University. Wadlin’s professional background includes positions at Caterpillar and Capital One, as well as a stint leading membership nationwide for Sam’s Club before launching his own venture.
What voters need to know
The three candidates will appear on the ballot for the U.S. Senate seat representing Arkansas. Voters can expect campaign messaging focused on national security, economic development, and support for Arkansas’s agricultural community. Early voting locations and polling places are listed on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website, and the official results will be posted once the polls close.
Arkansas’s Senate race is part of a broader set of contests that will shape the composition of Congress for the next two years. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about each candidate’s platform and to participate in the democratic process.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
