Arkansas Sets Fight for All 100 House Seats
Most State House races are uncontested, but Republicans must still win two of 38 contested seats to keep their majority in November.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Political Parties
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Arkansas voters will choose among candidates for all 100 State House seats in November 2026, with 49 Republicans and 13 Democrats running unopposed. A separate special election fills the House District 8 unexpired term left vacant after Austin McCollum resigned.
Why it matters
The outcome of the 38 contested races will determine whether Republicans keep the State House majority. The House District 8 vacancy followed McCollum's arrest on assault and battery accusations, adding a leadership turnover to the statewide contest.
Republicans must win two of the 38 contested State House races to maintain their majority, while 62 seats are uncontested. The outcome of the remaining contests is not yet determined.
The players
Austin McCollum
Former Arkansas State House member for District 8, whose resignation in August followed his arrest on assault and battery accusations.
Brian Armas
Republican candidate running unopposed for Arkansas House District 8, set to take office in January if elected.
The details
Austin McCollum, who held House District 8 for years, resigned in August after being arrested and accused of assault and battery. Republican Brian Armas is running unopposed for the seat in November, and Kara Armas and Parker John Stohlton are on the ballot for the unexpired term.
Timeline
August 2026: Austin McCollum resigns from House District 8.
November 2026: State House general election and House District 8 races are held.
January 2027: Brian Armas is scheduled to take office.
Political Context
With 62 of 100 seats uncontested, Arkansas's 2026 State House contest is less competitive than the 38 contested races suggest. Republicans must hold at least 36 of the contested seats to keep control, making the remaining races decisive for the chamber's direction.
Arkansas voters will decide 38 contested State House races in November, which determine how laws are made in the coming session. Residents in House District 8 will have a new representative starting in January 2027.
The takeaway
Voters in contested districts hold the power to shift the State House majority, so checking candidate positions before November can clarify what each race means for state policy.
Further reading
For broader context on partisan control, explore Political Parties coverage on Arkansas's legislative races.
Live Poll
Would you like Democrats to gain more influence against the Republican supermajority in Arkansas?
