Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proclaimed a special election to fill the vacant State Senator seat for District 1, following the resignation of Senator Ben Gilmore, effective June 30, 2026.
The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. A special primary election will precede it on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with a potential runoff on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, if necessary.
Candidates wishing to file for the special election, including party and independent candidates, must submit their notices, pledges, and affidavits to the Secretary of State's Office between 12:00 noon on Monday, July 13, 2026, and 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Independent candidates also need to submit petitions by August 7, 2026.
This action is mandated by Arkansas law, which requires the Governor to set dates for special elections to fill General Assembly vacancies as soon as possible.