LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Friday Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a special election to fill former District 26 Senator Gary Stubblefield's seat will not be held until over a year after his passing, sparking outrage among residents and political groups.

Stubblefield passed away on Sept. 2, 2025, leaving the seat open.

On Sept. 26, Gov. Sanders issued a proclamation laying out the timeline of planned elections to fill the seat.

Per the proclamation, a special primary is set to be held on March 3, 2026. Any needed primary runoff will be held on March 31.

Primary results will be certified on or before April 10, the election itself will be held on Nov. 3, 2026, and election results will be certified on or before Nov. 13.

The governor generally has a responsibility to call a specia

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