Arkansas has its statewide primary election on Tuesday, May 22. Here are some election facts and a few key races, with the names of the Democratic candidates and links to their campaign websites.
Arkansas has an open primary. Voters need to be registered by April 23. Register or check your registration status at I Will Vote. Check here for Arkansas’ Voter ID requirements.
The State At A Glance
– No Senators are up for re-election in 2018
– All 4 House Representatives are up for re-election
– Arkansas went +27 for Trump in 2016
– Partisan breakdown of the state legislature:
Governor (R)
State Senate 23 (R) – 9 (D) plus three vacant seats
State House 76 (R) – 24 (D)
Key Races
GOVERNOR
The incumbent, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, is running for re-election. Unlike other red states, Arkansas has had Democrats in the governor’s mansion this decade, meaning that many in the electorate have voted for a Democrat in a state-wide office recently.
Jared Henderson – campaign website
Leticia Sanders – campaign Facebook
ATTORNEY GENERAL
A race that is being watched closely in Arkansas is for Attorney General. The incumbent, Leslie Rutledge, is running for re-election but Democratic challenger Mike Lee made headlines when he switched from running for a House seat to the Attorney General’s race. He has since been successful with fundraising, too.
Mike Lee – campaign website
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, 2nd DISTRICT
The 2nd district is listed by several outlets as a competitive race, currently held by Republican French Hill. The Democratic primary is crowded with four candidates.
Gwen Combs – campaign website
Jonathan Dunkley – campaign website
Paul Spencer – campaign website
Clarke Tucker – campaign website
STATE SENATE
18 of the 35 seats in the Senate are up for re-election this year. Democrats had the majority in the Senate until 2012. A list of the districts with re-elections and the candidates running for those seats can be found here.
STATE HOUSE
All 100 seats in the House are up for re-election this year. The Democrats need to flip two seats to break the Republican super-majority. A list of the candidates running for the House can be found here.
NOTE: If you’re unsure what state district number you’re in, type in your address at Open States to get that info.
For a more complete list of state races in the primary, visit Ballotpedia: Arkansas Elections 2018. To learn about events featuring candidates running for office, connect with your local chapter of the Arkansas Democrats.
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