Arkansas State Elections
The following positions are State level for both Washington and Benton counties. Note: Libertarian and write-in candidates for state elected positions are not listed in the primaries but will be on the November general election, if applicable.
State Senator
Arkansas state senators are responsible for making and amending the laws of Arkansas in collaboration with the Arkansas House of Representatives and the governor. Senators are usually elected for four-year terms. They are also responsible for approving the governor’s appointments.
KEY: *Unopposed in Primary Election | **Unopposed in Primary and General Election
State Senate, District 29
Senator Jim Petty** (Republican)
State Senate, District 33
Senator Bart Hester** (Republican)
State Senate, District 34
Senator Jim Dotson* (Republican)
Kaylee Wedgeworth* (Democratic)
State Representative
Arkansas state representatives are elected to two-year terms. Primary responsibilities of a Representative include: enacting laws, overseeing programs enacted by the executive branch, holding hearings on policies, allocating funds to pay for the daily workings of the state, and redistricting in collaboration with other Representatives and the Senate.
KEY: *Unopposed in Primary Election | **Unopposed in Primary and General Election
State Representative, District 7
Brit McKenzie* (Republican)
David McPherson* (Democratic)
State Representative, District 8
Austin McCollum** (Republican)
State Representative, District 9
Diana Gonzales Worthen* (Democratic)
State Representative DeAnna Hodges* (Republican)
State Representative, District 10
Kate Schaffer* (Democratic)
State Representative Mindy McAlindon* (Republican)
State Representative, District 11
Rey Hernandez* (Democratic)
State Representative Rebecca Burkes* (Republican)
State Representative, District 12
State Representative Hope Hendren Duke* (Republican)
David L. Barber* (Democratic)
State Representative, District 13
Ashley Sheys* (Democratic)
State Representative R. Scott Richardson* (Republican)
State Representative, District 14
Jacob Malloy* (Democratic)
Nick Burkes (Republican)
Joshua Hagan (Republican)
State Representative, District 15
Stephanie Funk (Democratic)
Erin Lee Underhill (Democratic)
Representative John Carr* (Republican)
State Representative, District 16
Representative Kendon Underwood** (Republican)
State Representative, District 17
Randy Torres (Republican)
Jeremy Criner (Republican)
State Representative, District 18
Justin Meeks* (Democratic)
State Representative Robin Lundstrum* (Republican)
State Representative, District 19
Billy Cook* (Democratic)
Representative Steve Unger* (Republican)
State Representative, District 20
State Representative Denise Garner** (Democratic)
State Representative, District 21
State Representative Nicole Clowney** (Democratic)
State Representative, District 22
State Representative David Whitaker** (Democratic)
State Representative, District 23
State Representative Kendra Moore** (Republican)
State Representative, District 24
Ryan Intchauspe* (Democratic)
Ty Bates (Republican)
Brad Hall (Republican)
State Representative, District 25
Caitlin Tannehill Oxford* (Democratic)
State Representative Chad Puryear* (Republican)
Want to learn more about the role of State Senator or State Representative? Click the image to swipe through this instagram post created by Circles NWA.
State Treasurer
The Treasurer of the State of Arkansas is the chief financial officer of the government of Arkansas. The treasurer acts as the state's bank, accepting deposits in the form of taxes and fees, and disbursing funds to state agencies based on warrants from the auditor's office. The office is also responsible for providing state aid to local governments and investing the state's cash funds.
KEY: *Unopposed in Primary Election | **Unopposed in Primary and General Election
Candidates
John Pagan* (Democratic) (UALR news article)
Secretary of State John Thurston* (Republican)
NOT UP FOR ELECTION
Governor
The governor is the head of the executive branch of the Arkansas government and is charged with enforcing state laws. They have the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Arkansas General Assembly, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment. The governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and is limited to two terms. The governor must deliver periodic (traditionally annual) addresses to the legislature. These "State of the State" speeches concern the condition of the state and include the governor's recommendation for specific policies and steps.
Governor: Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Republican)
The governor can be contacted by calling (501) 682-2345 or by filling out the online form linked here.
Lieutenant Governor
This role presides over the Senate with a tie-breaking vote, to serve as governor when the governor is out of state, and to serve as governor if the governor is impeached, removed from office, dies or is otherwise unable to discharge the office's duties.
Lieutenant Governor: Leslie Rutledge (Republican)
The office of the Lieutenant Governor can be contacted by calling (501) 682-2144
Attorney General
The Attorney General represents state agencies and commissions in courts of law, giving opinions on issues presented by legislators and prosecutors, handling criminal matters and habeas corpus matters in the state, and advocating for citizens on issues pertaining to the environment, antitrust, and consumer protection. The attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer of the state of Arkansas. The attorney general also represents Arkansas Medicaid in cases of fraud and neglect and pursues violations of consumer protection law.
Attorney General: Tim Griffin (Republican)
The office of the attorney general can be contacted by calling (501) 682-2007 or (800) 482-8982.
They can also be reached by emailing oag@ArkansasAG.gov
To fill out a form concerning general questions, consumer complaints, reporting fraud, or requesting presentations, click here.
Secretary of State
The Arkansas Secretary of State has jurisdiction over state election laws, ensuring uniform implementation throughout the state. The secretary of state also qualifies statewide and state district candidates and ballot initiatives, and provides voter education products and services. In addition to his or her election-related responsibilities, the incumbent registers businesses in the state and keeps the state capitol grounds.
Secretary of State: John Thurston (Republican)
The Arkansas Secretary of Sate Executive office can be contacted by calling (501) 682-1010. Scheduling requests for Secretary Thurston can be made by email scheduling@sos.arkansas.gov
Auditor of State
The Arkansas Auditor of State is a state executive position in the Arkansas state government. According to the office's official website, the auditor "acts as the general accountant for the State, keeping track of all fund and appropriation balances of all state agencies, and writing the warrants (checks) in payment of the liabilities of the State." The auditor also manages the state's unclaimed property division.
Auditor of State: Dennis Milligan (Republican)
The Arkansas Auditor of State can be contacted by calling (501) 682-6000 or by email at info@auditor.ar.gov
The office can also be reached by filling out the online form linked here.
Commissioner of State Lands
The commissioner has chief authority over Arkansas' landed interests and serves as the chairperson for the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, among other responsibilities. The commissioner is elected every four years and is limited to two terms per lifetime. The commissioner controls all landed interests of the state of Arkansas. This includes all lands forfeited to the state for payment of taxes. The commissioner's office also is in charge of mineral leasing for most state owned lands and waterways. The commission seeks to benefit the state through land leases while also protecting the environment. Additionally, the commissioner has duties pertaining to historical preservation.
Commissioner of State Lands: Tommy Land (Republican)
The Commisoner of State Lands office can be contacted by calling (501) 324-9422 or by emailing land@cosl.org
For information on how to contact Tommy Land or other commissioner employees, click here.