Story is Courtesy of ARPolitics101

Nov. 30, 2025 — The 2026 election filing period officially ended on Nov. 12, bringing out a diverse group of 40 Black candidates vying for federal, state, and judicial offices. This group includes 20 men and 20 women from 14 counties. Of these candidates, 31 are running as Democrats, a slight decrease from 32 in 2024 and 37 in 2022.

Notably, there are no Black Republican candidates this year, compared to two in 2024 and five in 2022. In the nonpartisan judicial races, nine Black candidates are running for circuit judgeships and prosecuting attorney positions.

The preferential primary on March 3, 2026, will allow voters to choose between Democratic, Republican, or nonpartisan ballots. To vote in the Republican primary, individuals must be registered Republicans or members of an “optional” party. Visit VoterView on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website to check your voter status.

FEDERAL

At the federal level, two Black men are running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, District 2. Ethan Dunbar is challenging GOP Sen. Tom Cotton, while Chris Jones, from Little Rock, is running against Rep. French Hill. Both candidates must win their primaries. Dunbar is competing against Hallie Shoffner from Newport, and Jones is up against Zach Huffman from Little Rock. Cotton also faces Republican challengers Micah Ashby and Jeb Little, while Hill has one challenger, Chase McDowell from Little Rock.

STATEWIDE

In the governor’s race, two Democrats are hoping to take on incumbent Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. State Senator Fred Love (D-Little Rock) from Mabelvale and Supha Xayprasith-Mays from Bentonville will compete in the primary, while the Governor has no primary challenger.

State Senate

Five Black candidates are running for the state Senate, including two current state House members. Freshman Rep. Jessie McGruder (D-Marion) is running to replace term-limited Sen. Reginald Murdock (D-Marianna) in District 9, before facing Republican Kenny Phillips from Crawfordsville. In Pulaski County’s District 13, Jason Williams of Sherwood is competing against Allison Grigsby Sweatman for the Democratic nomination, and the winner will then face Rep. Brandon Achor (R-Maumelle).

One of the most discussed races is for the open Little Rock District 15 seat, where three women are running: incumbent Rep. Tara Shephard (D-Little Rock), ShaRhonda Love, and Charity Smith-Allen. To date, the winner of this primary would automatically take the seat, as no Republican candidate has yet filed to run, and no independent candidates have declared their candidacy.

State House

In the state House of Representatives, 23 Black candidates are running for seats, including six incumbents seeking re-election. Rep. Joy Springer (D-Little Rock) is running for her fourth term, facing Republican Isaac Ceja. The other five incumbents are unopposed in the primary election and possibly in the general election. Justice of the Peace Steven Person and Little Rock school board member Michael Mason are also running unopposed for open seats in Districts 77 and 79 in Pulaski County.

In Crittenden, Saline, and Pulaski Counties, four competitive primary races will take place. In Crittenden County, several candidates are vying to replace Rep. Jessie McGruder, who is running for a state Senate seat. The candidates include Audrey Willis, Demetris Johnson, Joyce Ann Gray, Sherry Holliman, and Willie Williams. The primary winner will face Robert Thorne Jr. in the general election.

In Saline County, Gina Thomas-Littlejohn is making her second run for District 81, this time against Elijah “Eli” Thompson. The winner will challenge incumbent Rep. RJ Hawk (R-Bryant) in November.

In Pulaski County, Angela Person West and Talesha Dokes both from North Little Rock are seeking to replace term-limited Rep. Tracy Steele (D-North Little Rock). In District 70, things are a bit more complicated. After Rep. Carlton Wing (R-North Little Rock) stepped down to work for PBS, the governor called a special election to finish his term. Two Democrats, Cordelia Smith-Johnson from Sherwood and Alex Holladay from North Little Rock, are running in the special election primary on Jan. 6. The winner will face Republican Bo Renshaw in the special general election on March 3. Voters in this district will also pick the Democratic nominee for the new term on March 3 as well. The winner of that race will then face Renshaw again in November.

Six Black candidates have no primary opposition and will advance directly to the general election in November. Cassandra Mayes is running for the District 71 seat in Maumelle and will face Stephen Bright, also of Maumelle, for the open seat in Pulaski County. Dexter Miller of Helena in Phillips County is running for the third time, challenging incumbent Rep. Mark McElroy (R-Tiller).

Three newcomers are also in the race. Deonna Morgan of Malvern is challenging Rep. Rick McClure (R-Malvern) in Hot Spring County. Michael Middlebrook of Blytheville is running against Rep. Joey Carr (R-Blytheville) in Mississippi County. Craighead County’s Shamal C. Carter is challenging Rep. Johnny Rye (R-Trumann). Meanwhile, Lonoke resident Beverly Coleman-Keown will face Rep. Roger Lynch (R-Lonoke) in Lonoke County.

JUDICIAL

Judicial races are underway, with five candidates vying for circuit judge positions. Four incumbents are seeking reelection: Judges Tjuana Byrd Manning and Shanice Johnson in Pulaski and Perry Counties, Carlton D. Jones in Miller and Lafayette Counties, and Earnest E. Brown, Jr. in Jefferson and Lincoln Counties. In Hempstead and Nevada Counties, the open-seat contest pits former district judge Kolby Harper against attorney Matthew Kimmel.

The county prosecutor race is also drawing attention. In Pulaski and Perry Counties, Bobby Forrest, Jr. is challenging incumbent Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones, with a chance to become the first Black person elected to the role if successful. In Jefferson and Lincoln Counties, a competitive three-way race features attorneys Evelyn Moorehead, Karres Manning-Center, and Mircha King.

ARPolitics101 is a nonpartisan voter education initiative dedicated to informing, educating, and empowering Arkansans to participate in the voting process. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @arpolitics101. Email us at arpolitics101@gmail.com.