LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sanders today announced a Vacancy in Nomination for State Representative for District 44. The Vacancy in Nomination will be followed by a proclamation setting the dates for the special election due to the vacancy in office.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:
A PROCLAMATION CALLING A SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING A VACANCY IN NOMINATION FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR DISTRICT 44 AND SETTING ELECTION-RELATED DEADLINES, PURSUANT TO ARK. CODE ANN. § 7-7-104
WHEREAS: The Honorable Stan Berry, District 44 Republican Nominee, passed away on March 23, 2026;
WHEREAS: The death of Representative Berry has created a vacancy in nomination for State Representative for District 44 of the Arkansas General Assembly; and
WHEREAS: In such circumstance, Ark. Code Ann. § 7-7-104 requires a special election to fill the vacancy in nomination, as well as other election-related deadlines and requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim, as follows:
- A special primary election for all eligible political parties shall be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
- The period for filing for candidacy as a party candidate commences at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and ends at 12:00 noon on Monday, April 20, 2026.
- Certificates of nomination shall be issued no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, and the candidate shall file the certificate of nomination by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
- Drawing for ballot position for the special primary election shall occur on or before Friday, April 24, 2026.
- The results of the special primary election shall be certified by the county boards of election commissioners on or before Friday, June 12, 2026.
- All other deadlines and requirements not provided for in this proclamation shall be as provided for by the election laws of this State.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 7th day of April, in the year of our Lord 2026.
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