Searcy City Attorney Will Moore has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for Arkansas State Senate District 18 in the special election expected following the resignation of former State Sen. Jonathan Dismang.
The City of Searcy currently lists Moore as the city attorney.
District 18 includes White County and portions of Faulkner and Cleburne counties, according to the Arkansas Senate. Dismang had represented the district and served in the Arkansas Legislature since 2009, beginning in the House before being elected to the Senate in 2010.
In a campaign announcement provided to ArkansasRadio.com, Moore said he decided to seek the seat because of issues he believes will come before lawmakers in the coming years.
“Our state has made a lot of positive progress over the last few years, but there are still challenges ahead,” Moore said. “It’s important our area has a conservative voice as the legislature debates issues that impact all of our daily lives.”
Moore grew up in Searcy and attended the University of Arkansas, according to his campaign announcement, where he was a member of the Arkansas Razorback football team.
He later earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law. A professional biography for Moore lists him as a 2012 graduate of the law school and says his legal practice has included corporate and business matters in addition to his service as Searcy city attorney.
Moore’s campaign says his legal experience has included work in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors and that he has participated in community efforts involving quality-of-life improvements in Searcy.
In announcing his candidacy, Moore also praised Dismang’s service to the district.
“I appreciate the work and commitment that Jonathan gave our district,” Moore said. “I have a profound respect for the example he set and my goal is to provide the same leadership and dedication to the role.”
Dismang had been one of the Arkansas Senate’s most senior members and previously served as Senate President Pro Tempore. He also served as Senate co-chair of the Joint Budget Committee.
Moore said that, if elected, his priorities would include economic development, public safety and the rising cost of living.
“I plan to focus on economic development, safe communities, and addressing the rising cost of living,” Moore said. “We live in a great state and it’s on us to ensure we keep making it even better so our kids and grandkids can have a bright future.”
According to the campaign announcement, Moore and his wife, Holly, have 3 children — Walker, Evie and John Wyatt. Moore’s professional biography also identifies Holly and the couple’s 3 children.
The campaign says the family attends Searcy First Methodist Church and enjoys traveling and spending time at Greers Ferry Lake. Moore is also identified in the announcement as a graduate of Leadership Searcy and Leadership Arkansas.
The special election process will determine who fills the remainder of the District 18 term. Arkansas law provides that the governor issues a proclamation calling a special election to fill a legislative vacancy and establishes procedures for political parties to select nominees.
Special Primary Election: November 3, 2026
Primary Runoff, if needed: December 1, 2026
Special Election: January 5, 2027
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