Sanders Announces Vacancy in Nomination for State Representative for District 44

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sanders today announced a Vacancy in Nomination for State Representative for District 44. The Vacancy in Nomination will be followed by a proclamation setting the dates for the special election due to the vacancy in office.

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:

A PROCLAMATION CALLING A SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING A VACANCY IN NOMINATION FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR DISTRICT 44 AND SETTING ELECTION-RELATED DEADLINES, PURSUANT TO ARK. CODE ANN. § 7-7-104

WHEREAS: The Honorable Stan Berry, District 44 Republican Nominee, passed away on March 23, 2026;

WHEREAS: The death of Representative Berry has created a vacancy in nomination for State Representative for District 44 of the Arkansas General Assembly; and

WHEREAS: In such circumstance, Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-104 requires a special election to fill the vacancy in nomination, as well as other election-related deadlines and requirements.

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

1. A special primary election for all eligible political parties shall be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
   
   
2. The period for filing for candidacy as a party candidate commences at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and ends at 12:00 noon on Monday, April 20, 2026.
   
   
3. Certificates of nomination shall be issued no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, and the candidate shall file the certificate of nomination by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
   
   
4. Drawing for ballot position for the special primary election shall occur on or before Friday, April 24, 2026.
   
   
5. The results of the special primary election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Friday, June 12, 2026.
   
   
6. 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 7th day of April, in the year of our Lord 2026.

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