Five Democrats Expected in Primary to Challenge Cotton for Senate

Five Democrats expected in primary to challenge Cotton for Senate

Five Democrats are expected to seek the party’s nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton in next year’s election, with one candidate formally launching his campaign Wednesday at the state Capitol. James Russell III of Little Rock, who ran in the 2022 Democratic gubernatorial primary, announced his candidacy at a news conference. Russell said Arkansas voters need a senator who will stand up for everyday people rather than corporati…

James Russell III of Little Rock joins Democratic primary effort to unseat U.S. Sen. Cotton in 2026

James Russell III of Little Rock announces his bid for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton in 2026 at the Arkansas Capitol on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)Five Arkansas Democrats are expected to vie for the party’s nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton’s reelection bid next year, with one candidate formally announcing his campaign Wednesday at the state Capitol. Ja…