Gov. Sanders Appeals District 26 Special Election Ruling

Judge orders special election, but governor appeals

A judge ruled Wednesday that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders must call a special election to fill the vacant state Senate District 26 seat before next year’s fiscal session.

Gov. Sanders appeals District 26 special election ruling

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester are appealing a Pulaski County judge’s order requiring an earlier special election to fill the vacant Arkansas Senate District 26 seat. In a notice filed Oct. 22, attorneys for Sanders and Jester said they are appealing to the Arkansas Supreme Court, arguing that the judge erred in granting Franklin County resident Colt Shelby’s petition. The appea…

Both sides appeal ruling that Sanders cannot delay vote for Arkansas state Senate seat

With the clock ticking down toward the 2026 legislative session, the fight over when Senate District 26 voters can choose a successor to the late state Sen. Gary Stubblefield now shifts to the Arkansas Supreme Court, with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and cattle raiser Colt Shelby of Cecil each appealing a court ruling that requires an election before the General Assembly convenes in April.

‘Far-reaching ramifications’: Judge says special election dates violate constitutional rights

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in an April 10, 2024 file photo. A Pulaski County judge ruled against Sanders on Wednesday, ordering state officials to hold Senate District 26's special election “as soon as practicable” in accordance with state law. (Photo by Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate)A Pulaski County Circuit judge ruled in favor of a Franklin County resident Wednesday and said a June 2026 special election to fill a vacant state Senate seat u…

Judge rules Arkansas Senate District 26 election must be held "as soon as practicable"

The seat, which includes part of Franklin County, became vacant when Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, died in September.

Judge rules that Sanders cannot delay vote for Arkansas state Senate seat | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

The special election to replace the late state Sen. Gary Stubblefield cannot be put off until June, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Patti James ruled on Wednesday, overturning the schedule set by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who wants Senate District 26 voters to wait nine months after the lawmaker’s death to choose his successor.