TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME - GREETINGS:

A PROCLAMATION CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING A VACANCY IN OFFICE FOR STATE SENATOR FOR DISTRICT 26 AND SETTING ELECTION-RELATED DEADLINES

WHEREAS:​ ​The Honorable Gary Stubblefield, Arkansas State Senator representing District 26, passed away on September 2, 2025;

WHEREAS: ​The death of Senator Stubblefield has created a vacancy in office for State Senator for District 26 of the Arkansas General Assembly; and

WHEREAS: ​In such circumstance, Arkansas law requires that I set the date for a special election to fill the vacancy as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs, as well as other election-related deadlines and requirements.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim as follows:

1. It is impracticable or unduly burdensome to hold the special election within one hundred fifty (150) days after the occurrence of the vacancy.
2. A special election shall be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the purpose of filling the vacancy in office for State Senator for District 26.
3. A special primary election for all eligible political parties shall be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
4. If required, a special primary runoff election shall be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
5. The period for filing for candidacy as a party candidate with the Secretary of State's Office shall commence at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, November 3, 2025, and end at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
6. Certificates of nomination shall be issued by parties no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and candidates shall file the certificates of nomination by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026.
7. Independent candidates for the special election, if any, must submit their notices of candidacy, political practices pledges, affidavits of eligibility and petitions to the Office of the Secretary of State, in Little Rock, no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, May 1, 2026. Petitions in support of independent candidates may be circulated from Saturday, January 31, 2026, through 12:00 noon on Friday, May 1, 2026. The number of signatures required on the petition shall be reduced proportionately pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-103(b)(5).
8. Drawing for ballot position for the special primary election shall occur on or before Thursday, December 4, 2025.
9. Drawing for ballot position for the special election shall occur on or before Monday, August 24, 2026.
10. The results of the special primary election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Friday, April 10, 2026.
11. The results of the special election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Friday, November 13, 2026.
12. All other deadlines and requirements not provided for in this proclamation shall be as provided for by the election laws of this State.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 26th of September, in the year of our Lord 2025.

###