Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has rescheduled the special election for Arkansas Senate District 18 to Tuesday, December 15, after the party primaries saw only one candidate from each party file for nomination. Her initial proclamation, issued on September 18, had set the election date for January 5, with a special primary to coincide with the November 3 general election.
According to Arkansas law, governors are required to issue a new proclamation with an earlier election date when primaries are uncontested. The filing period for candidates closed at noon on September 24.
The Senate seat was vacated by Jonathan Dismang, a Republican from Searcy, who resigned on September 15 to join Arkansas Electric Cooperatives as vice president of external affairs. Dismang had represented the district since 2011 and was a leading figure in the development of the state’s Medicaid expansion program.
Four individuals have filed to run for the vacant seat: Republican Will Moore, who serves as the Searcy city attorney; Democrat Camille Feyen; and independents Steven McClelland and Trevor McGarragh. The winner of the December election will complete Dismang’s term, which extends through January 2029.
Senate District 18 encompasses White County and portions of Faulkner and Cleburne counties. Under the revised election timeline, counties must certify the special primary results by October 7, while the respective political parties have until noon on October 8 to issue certificates of nomination. A ballot position drawing has been set for October 9. Final results of the special election are expected by December 28.
The expedited election process ensures continued representation for residents of the district in the Arkansas Senate.