Arkansas voters are headed back to the polls for runoff elections in three key mayoral races. The November 3rd general election produced no outright winners in Jacksonville, Stuttgart and Helena‑West Helena, triggering runoffs under state law when no candidate reaches a 50% threshold.
Stuttgart mayoral runoff
Incumbent Mayor Norma Strabala received 852 votes (44.19%) while City Council member Theodore “Teddy” Holt led with 908 votes (47.10%). Third‑place candidate Rick Koenig earned 168 votes (8.67%). Holt’s narrow lead sends the race to a second round, where he will face Strabala for the city’s top job.
Helena‑West Helena mayoral runoff
Governor‑appointed incumbent Joseph Whitfield captured the most votes at 802 (35.42%). Former mayor Raymond “Tank” Simes placed second with 395 votes (17.45%). With eight candidates on the ballot, Whitfield and Simes will compete in the runoff. Other contenders included Matthew Harvey (12.10%), Patrick Roberson (11.53%), Maxine Miller (6.98%), Lakesia Chandler (0.93%) and Robert “R&R” Ford (0.84%).
Jacksonville mayoral runoff
Mayor Jeff Elmore secured 2,384 votes (37.21%) but was overtaken by challenger James Bolden III, who earned 3,096 votes (48.32%). Third‑place candidate Kevin Cole received 927 votes (14.47%). The runoff pits the sitting mayor against Bolden, a former military member and city‑council veteran who emphasized his leadership experience and plans to attract new businesses.
Bolden told KATV, “I’m the best candidate for the job, I have more leadership than my opponent… we need to keep our community happy, motivated, and able to do what’s necessary.” Elmore countered, “My #1 qualification is I am the mayor. I’ve been the sitting mayor for four years and have created over 1,500 jobs.” Both candidates highlighted economic development, with Elmore pointing to upcoming restaurant openings and Bolden promising greater youth involvement in local government.
Other runoff contests
In Tuckerman, four candidates vied for mayor. Roger Williams led with 187 votes (42.60%) and will face Mark Warren (31.89%) in a runoff after incumbent Zackory Graham resigned and remained on the ballot.
Bald Knob’s mayoral race also heads to a runoff. Incumbent Barth Grayson fell short with 170 votes (27.11%). Beth Calhoun leads with 261 votes (41.63%) and will meet Brandon Brown (31.26%).
In Austin, Lonoke County, Trent Eilts (30.92%) edged out Trina Crumpton (28.92%) for a second‑round showdown.
City‑council runoffs across the state
Conway’s Ward 4, Position 2 will see Sheila Isby (48.34%) versus Ken Ashley‑Pauley after Isby secured 8,171 votes. Pottsville’s Ward 2, Position 1 pits Larry Shingleur Sr. against Dr. Sheila Hunt. In Clinton, Van Buren County, two council seats are headed to runoffs: Jeff Pistole vs. Mark Malone and Tim Barnes vs. Paula Bramlett. Gassville, Baxter County, also has a council runoff between Robert Simmons (42.46%) and Michael Fouts (35.29%).
These runoff elections underscore the importance of local participation. Arkansas Secretary of State records show 6,407 Jacksonville residents voted in the November mayoral race, reflecting community engagement that will continue as voters return to the polls.
What’s at stake
Across the state, candidates stress the need for infrastructure improvements, business attraction, and job creation. In Jacksonville, Elmore plans to address the aging West Main Bridge and the city’s dry‑alcohol status dating back to 1954. Bolden promises to involve students in city council meetings and to prioritize youth programs.
Voters in each municipality will decide whether to continue current leadership or embrace new direction, shaping the economic and civic future of their hometowns.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
