Fort Smith, Ark. – On Sunday, the Fort Smith Convention Center hosted the River Valley’s first Democratic rally, bringing together every Democratic candidate for local, state and federal office in the area. The gathering was intended to give voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates about the issues most pressing to River Valley residents.
Cost of living tops the agenda
Longtime Fort Smith resident Cissy Rose opened the event by urging a change in leadership, saying, “I think there needs to be a change in a lot of different places, and I think the Democrats are the answer because they are the ones that care about the people.” Rose, like many Sebastian County voters, highlighted the rising cost of living, noting that the ongoing war in Iran has driven up gas prices. “I want them to tell us how they’re going to make our lives better, how they’re going to improve the economy, how they’re going to make sure everyone has enough to eat,” she said.
Fort Smith resident Andy Dabbs echoed those concerns, calling the cost of living “ridiculous” and urging candidates to bring inflation down.
Senate candidate questions national spending
During a question‑and‑answer session, 40/29 News asked Hallie Shoffner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, about federal expenditures. Shoffner responded, “We’re spending $1 billion a day in Iran, we’re spending $170 billion with ICE, we spent $20 billion bailing out Argentina before they undercut our soybean farmers, why is it that Tom Cotton wants to spend any amount of time and resources anywhere other than Arkansas and the United States?” Shoffner is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Tom Cotton and Libertarian candidate Jeff Wadlin.
Republican and Libertarian perspectives
When asked about fiscal policy, Sen. Tom Cotton highlighted the tax cuts passed last year, noting they included “no tax on tips or overtime or Social Security” and a permanent child tax credit for families. He also referenced a new farm bill aimed at supporting Arkansas farmers.
Libertarian candidate Jeff Wadlin stressed the need for a “strong defense, but also an affordable defense,” adding that the United States must avoid bankruptcy while addressing the conflict with Iran.
Healthcare concerns from voters
Voter Sandi Anderson, a Medicare‑eligible Fort Smith resident, shared a personal story about the high cost of medical equipment. Her disabled 26‑year‑old daughter relies on Medicaid, yet essential items such as wheelchairs and hospital beds are not covered. Anderson said, “We just got a breathing treatment machine that was $20,000. It took us 10 months to get it.” The rally gave her a platform to voice the need for more affordable healthcare options.
Election timeline
Early voting for the Arkansas general election begins on Oct. 19, with Election Day scheduled for Nov. 3. Voters in the River Valley will decide on a slate of races, including seats in the U.S. Congress, the governor’s office, and the secretary of state.
For more information on polling locations and voting hours, residents are encouraged to visit the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
