On October 22, an Arkansas state trial court ruled that voters in State Senate District 26 cannot be forced to wait until June 26, 2026, to fill the vacant seat.
The seat has been vacant since the incumbent passed away on September 2. In response, the Governor argued that she has complete discretion to choose the date for the special election.
However, the judge disagreed, stating that the Governor’s position is not supported by the state Constitution.
The Governor is currently appealing the decision.
This case, Shelby v. Sanders (60cv-25-12172), highlights important questions about the timing of special elections and constitutional authority in Arkansas.
https://ballot-access.org/2025/10/30/arkansas-state-trial-court-rules-that-governor-must-call-an-earlier-special-election-to-fill-a-vacancy/
