Southeast Arkansas voters in Senate District 1 will choose a successor to former Sen. Ben Gilmore in a special general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Republican nominee Harrell Wilson of Rison — Cleveland County School Board president — defeated Missy Wardlaw with about 65% in the Aug. 18 GOP primary. He faces Democrat Tomeka Butler, mayor of Eudora, who advanced unopposed. The district includes Ashley, Bradley, Chicot and Cleveland counties and portions of neighboring SEARK counties; the winner serves the remainder of Gilmore’s term through 2029.
Sources: Arkansas Advocate — Wilson wins Republican nomination; Office of the Governor — special election call.
