Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced updated dates for special elections to fill vacancies in State Representative District 70 and State Senator District 26, following court orders that the Governor says contradict Arkansas law.
The changes stem from two separate Pulaski County Circuit Court rulings directing the Governor to set special election dates earlier than originally scheduled. Sanders said the rulings force the state to adopt election timelines that conflict with statutory requirements—particularly those protecting the voting rights of overseas military members, who must be given at least 47 days to receive absentee ballots.
“While I object to this ruling, I will comply with the court’s order,” Sanders said, adding that she remains confident an appeal will restore the Governor’s authority to set special election dates under Arkansas Constitution Article V, Section 6.
New Special Election Timeline (Both Districts)
Special Election: March 3, 2026
Special Primary: January 6, 2026
Primary Runoff (if needed): February 3, 2026
Candidate Filing Period: November 3–12, 2025
Independent Candidate Petition Deadline: November 26, 2025
Certification Deadlines: January 16 (primary), February 9 (runoff), March 13 (special election)
The Governor emphasized that both proclamations were issued “under duress” and solely to comply with the judicial order, which she argues overrides the General Assembly’s legally established election procedures.
Vacancies were created by the resignation of Rep. Carlton Wing in District 70 and the passing of Sen. Gary Stubblefield in District 26. The updated election calendar now aligns both races.
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