Little Rock, Arkansas – Following the death of long-serving Arkansas State Senator Gary Stubblefield on September 2, 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has issued a formal proclamation to initiate the process of filling the now-vacant District 26 Senate seat. In accordance with Arkansas law, Sanders outlined a comprehensive schedule for special elections and candidate filing deadlines aimed at ensuring fair and timely representation for the district’s constituents.
“The Honorable Gary Stubblefield, Arkansas State Senator representing District 26, passed away on September 2, 2025,” the proclamation begins, acknowledging the late senator’s passing and the resulting vacancy. Under state law, the governor is required to set the date for a special election to fill such vacancies “as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs.”
However, the proclamation also states that it is “impracticable or unduly burdensome to hold the special election within one hundred fifty (150) days after the occurrence of the vacancy,” pushing the official special election date to Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Primary and Runoff Election Timeline
A special primary election will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for all eligible political parties. Should no candidate win a clear majority, a special primary runoff election will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. These contests will determine the nominees for the November general election.
Candidate Filing Periods and Ballot Drawings
The proclamation also lays out critical filing periods for party candidates. The filing window will open at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, November 3, 2025, and close at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. This applies to all individuals running under a political party banner who wish to appear on the special primary ballot.
Political parties must issue certificates of nomination by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and candidates are required to file these with the Secretary of State’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Independent Candidates and Petition Requirements
Independent candidates also have a path to the ballot. They must submit notices of candidacy, political practices pledges, affidavits of eligibility, and petitions to the Secretary of State’s Office in Little Rock no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, May 1, 2026. Petition circulation may begin on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and the number of required signatures will be reduced proportionately according to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-103(b)(5).
Ballot Position Drawings and Certification Deadlines
The ballot position drawing for the special primary election will occur on or before Thursday, December 4, 2025, while the drawing for the general special election will be conducted on or before Monday, August 24, 2026.
After votes are cast, the results of the special primary election must be certified by the county boards of election commissioners no later than Friday, April 10, 2026. Certification for the general special election results is due on or before Friday, November 13, 2026.
Governor’s Closing Statement
“All other deadlines and requirements not provided for in this proclamation shall be as provided for by the election laws of this State,” the proclamation concludes.
Signed on September 26, 2025, the proclamation was officially executed by Governor Sanders with the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas affixed, launching the formal process to elect a successor to the late Senator Stubblefield and maintain legislative continuity for District 26.
