Arkansas State Representative Austin McCollum has resigned from the legislature following his arrest on domestic violence-related charges. In a letter effective Wednesday, McCollum announced he would not complete his term representing House District 8, citing a need to focus on his family.
McCollum, 35, was arrested on August 1 by Benton County deputies and now faces charges of third-degree domestic battery, aggravated assault on a family member, and false imprisonment. According to court records, officers responded to a reported domestic disturbance involving McCollum and his wife. Investigators alleged the incident escalated into physical violence. Deputies noted that McCollum appeared intoxicated when they arrived. He was released from the Benton County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond shortly after his arrest.
The arrest prompted swift calls for McCollum's resignation from several Arkansas Republican leaders, including Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, House Speaker Brian Evans, and others. Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge also revoked her endorsement of McCollum's campaign for Benton County judge.
McCollum, a four-term legislator, had represented House District 8 for nearly a decade. His resignation creates a vacancy in the Arkansas House, and Gov. Sanders will now certify that vacancy. The process of selecting McCollum's successor could involve either a special primary election or a convention of delegates, depending on state law.
McCollum’s campaign for Benton County judge has also ended in the wake of the allegations.