Arkansas Sen. Bryan King (R-28) held a news conference on Tuesday, calling out the governor for delays in the special election to replace the seat vacated by the late Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R-26) and its potential impact on the proposed Franklin County prison.

Democrats say Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' election move still violates Arkansas law and leaves voters unrepresented.

Despite her grief, Sullivan was at the Capitol on Tuesday to object to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ’ delaying of the special election to fill the state senate seat left vacant by the death of Sullivan’s father, Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R-Branch).

After pushback from members of her own party, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders late Friday changed the date of the general election to fill the vacant District 26 Senate seat from November 2026 to June. The new general election date still comes after the end of the Legislature’s 2026 fiscal session,

The Arkansas Republican and Democratic parties announced Wednesday that they will hold primary elections to choose their candidates for the upcoming state Senate District 26 special election.

A special election shall be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the purpose of filling the vacancy in office for State Senator for District 26. A special primary election for all eligible political parties shall be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. If required, a special primary runoff election shall be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

People in Senate District 26 will have to wait until late 2026 before they have an elected representative in the Arkansas Senate. Gov. Sarah Sanders on Friday (Sept. 26)

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has called a special election to fill a seat in the Arkansas Senate left vacant after Sen. Gary Stubblefield's death earlier this month.

The Republican Party of Arkansas and Democratic Party of Arkansas decided on Sept. 24 that each will hold special primary elections to fill the vacant seat.

The Democratic Party of Arkansas will host a primary election to select a nominee for the Senate District 26 Special Election.

There will be a Republican Party and Democratic Party primary in the Arkansas Senate District 26 race. Three have announced for the Republican primary, but no one has yet

On Sept. 26, Gov. Sanders had first announced Sen. Gary Stubblefield's Senate seat will remain empty until November 2026 following his passing.