Blake Pennington Wins Fayetteville City Attorney Race
Pennington, a senior assistant city attorney, defeated DJ Deutch in Tuesday's election for the four-year post.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Blake Pennington won the Fayetteville city attorney election on Tuesday, receiving 16,920 votes (67%) to DJ Deutch's 8,252 (33%). Complete but unofficial results show Pennington won the race.
Why it matters
The city attorney serves as the city's chief legal officer for a four-year term paid $176,238.40 per year, so the outcome determines who holds that position for Fayetteville residents. Pennington's margin was decisive, with two-thirds of the votes cast.
Pennington received 16,920 votes, or 67%, while Deutch received 8,252 votes, or 33%. The office carries an annual salary of $176,238.40 over a four-year term.
The players
Blake Pennington
Pennington is a Fayetteville attorney who has served as senior assistant city attorney and has lived in the city for 25 years.
DJ Deutch
Deutch was Pennington's opponent in the Fayetteville city attorney race, receiving one-third of the votes cast.
The details
Pennington, 43, is currently the senior assistant city attorney and has lived in Fayetteville for 25 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (2005) and a juris doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law (2008).
Timeline
2005: Pennington receives a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas.
2008: Pennington receives a juris doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Voters elect Pennington as Fayetteville city attorney.
Political Context
Because the city attorney is elected to a four-year term under Fayetteville's municipal structure, this race selects the official who advises city government and represents it in legal matters for the coming term. The office's role as the city's chief legal voice gives the outcome lasting administrative weight.
Fayetteville residents will have a new city attorney for the next four years, shaping how the city handles legal matters. The result is unofficial until certified, so the official outcome may still be confirmed.
The takeaway
Local elections for offices like city attorney directly determine who represents the city's legal interests. Following certification of results helps confirm the final outcome.
Further reading
Explore more Fayetteville Elections coverage for context on local races.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ArkansasOnline.
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