LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders moved up the special election for the vacant State Senate District 26 seat to June 9, 2026, on Friday, just hours after her initial proclamation setting a later date drew heavy criticism.

The seat was vacated following the Sept. 2, 2025, death of Republican Sen. Gary Stubblefield, who was an outspoken opponent of the governor's plan to build a state prison in the district.

The initial November 2026 date drew sharp criticism from the Arkansas Democratic Party and some Republican candidates, who argued the delay was too long and deprived constituents of representation, especially during the upcoming legislative fiscal session.

State law mandates the special election be held "as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs," or "as soon as pract

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