Franklin County resident sues to move up election to fill Arkansas senator's seat

A Franklin County resident asked a judge Monday to move up a special election to replace the late Sen. Gary Stubblefield by six months, alleging the current schedule prevents District 26 voters from having a voice during the 2026 fiscal session.

The lawsuit, which attorney Jennifer Waymack Standerfer filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court on behalf of Colt Shelby of Cecil, seeks an injunction and an order declaring Stubblefield’s seat must be filled within 150 days of his death. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester are the defendants.

“We look forward to a full victory,” Jester said in a statement provided by his spokesperson.

The complaint requests a judge hold a hearing within seven days. Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Patricia James was assigned to the case.




https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/10/06/franklin-county-resident-sues-to-move-up-election-to-fill-arkansas-senators-seat/