Sanders Announces Update in Special Election fo Fill Vacancy for State Senator for District 26

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced an update to the special election to fill the vacancy for State Senator for District 26.

"We initially set the special election date to align with the existing election calendar to save taxpayer money, streamline the process for election officials, and allow for as much voter participation as possible. After receiving feedback from the community and getting confirmation from election officials that a change while difficult is doable, I have decided to move up the general election date to expedite representation for the River Valley," said Governor Sanders.

"We support the decision to move the special election, which was made in collaboration with our office. We recognize that this will create additional challenges and workload for our county election officials, but we believe it is both reasonable and achievable. We are confident this adjustment will serve the best interests of our state," said Secretary of State Cole Jester.

A timeline of election dates is available here:

Monday, November 3, 2025 - Party candidacy filing period commences

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - Party candidacy filing period ends

Thursday, December 4, 2025 - Special Primary Election ballot drawing

Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Deadline for overseas ballots to be delivered to County Clerk for Special Primary Election

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - Independent candidates start gathering signatures

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - Special Primary Election

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - Special Primary Runoff

Friday, April 10, 2026 - Certificates of Nomination issued by parties

Monday, April 13, 2026 - Candidates must file Certificates of Nomination

Monday, April 13, 2026 - Independent candidates submit Notice of Candidacy

Thursday, April 16, 2026 - Ballot draw on or before

Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Deadline for overseas ballots to be delivered to County Clerk for Special General Election

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Election Day

Friday, June 19, 2026 - Election Commissioners certify results

The Governor's updated proclamation is available here:

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME - GREETINGS:

AN AMENDED PROCLAMATION CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING A VACANCY IN OFFICE FOR STATE SENATOR FOR DISTRICT 26 AND SETTING ELECTION-RELATED DEADLINES

WHEREAS:​ ​The Honorable Gary Stubblefield, Arkansas State Senator representing District 26, passed away on September 2, 2025;

WHEREAS: ​The death of Senator Stubblefield has created a vacancy in office for State Senator for District 26 of the Arkansas General Assembly;

WHEREAS: ​In such circumstance, Arkansas law requires that I set the date for a special election to fill the vacancy as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs, as well as other election-related deadlines and requirements: and

WHEREAS: To reflect updated circumstances, the special election dates are amended as follows.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim as follows:

1. It is impracticable or unduly burdensome to hold the special primary election and special election within one hundred fifty (150) days after the occurrence of the vacancy.
2. A special election shall be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, for the purpose of filling the vacancy in office for State Senator for District 26.
3. A special primary election for all eligible political parties shall be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
4. If required, a special primary runoff election shall be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
5. The period for filing for candidacy as a party candidate with the Secretary of State's Office shall commence at 12:00 noon on Monday, November 3, 2025, and end at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
6. Certificates of nomination shall be issued by parties no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, April 10, 2026, and candidates shall file the certificates of nomination by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
7. Independent candidates for the special election, if any, must submit their notices of candidacy, political practices pledges, affidavits of eligibility and petitions to the Office of the Secretary of State, in Little Rock, no later than 12:00 noon on Monday, April 13, 2026. Petitions in support of independent candidates may be circulated from Wednesday, January 28, 2026, through 12:00 noon on Monday, April 13, 2026. The number of signatures required on the petition shall be reduced proportionately pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-103(b)(5).
8. Drawing for ballot position for the special primary election shall occur on or before Thursday, December 4, 2025.
9. Drawing for ballot position for the special election shall occur on or before Thursday, April 16, 2026.
10. The results of the special primary election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Friday, April 10, 2026.
11. The results of the special election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Friday, June 19, 2026.
12. All other deadlines and requirements not provided for in this proclamation shall be as provided for by the election laws of this State.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 26^th of September, in the year of our Lord 2025.

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