Former Arkansas State Representative Austin McCollum pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to three felony charges, including second-degree battery, aggravated assault on a family member, and false imprisonment. The charges stem from allegations that McCollum assaulted his wife during a domestic altercation.
McCollum, 35, was arraigned in Benton County Circuit Court following his arrest last month. Investigators allege that he punched his wife in the face and slammed her head against the ground during the incident. His wife, who has since filed for divorce, also requested and was granted an order of protection.
McCollum, a Republican from Bentonville, resigned from his seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives in September under mounting pressure from fellow Republicans, including Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. McCollum had served in the Legislature since 2017 and was not seeking reelection.
Despite his resignation, McCollum remains the Republican nominee for Benton County judge in the upcoming November election. The Benton County Republican Party stated last week that there is no legal mechanism to remove McCollum from the ballot. Under Arkansas law, a candidate can only be removed from a ballot if they move out of the jurisdiction, develop a serious illness, or file for another office.
McCollum’s next court hearing is scheduled for December 1.
The resignation left a vacancy in the House, where Republicans hold a 79-20 majority. Voters will decide on November 3 who will fill the remainder of McCollum’s unexpired term in a special election. Republican Kara Armas of Pea Ridge and Democrat Parker Stohlton of Bella Vista are on the ballot for the seat.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.