2026 Arkansas gubernatorial election

The 2026 Arkansas gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Arkansas. Incumbent Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is seeking a second term.^[1]

Background

A Southern state in the heart of the Bible Belt, Arkansas has transformed into a deeply red state in the 21st century, with Republicans winning Arkansas in every presidential election since 2000 and occupying all of its statewide offices, including that of governor, since 2015. The most recent Democratic governor of Arkansas is Mike Beebe, who was comfortably elected in 2006 and 2010. In 2022, Sanders was elected governor of Arkansas by 27.7%, becoming the first woman to hold this position.^[2]

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, incumbent governor (2023–present) and White House Press Secretary (2017–2019)^[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Gary Huskey, businessman^[3]
Fredrick Love, state senator from the 15th district (2023–present)^[3]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report^[4]	Solid R	January 23, 2025
Inside Elections^[5]	Solid R	February 6, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball^[6]	Safe R	May 1, 2025
Race to the WH^[7]	Safe R	June 30, 2025

References

^ ^a ^b Barrow, Bill (July 18, 2024). "Project 2028: GOP officials jockey during Republican National Convention for future White House runs". Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 3, 2024. [Sarah Huckabee Sanders] was focused only on Trump's election and then her own reelection in 2026
^ Leip, David. "2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results – Arkansas". www.uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Brock, Roby (June 23, 2025). "Democratic State Sen. Fred Love announces for Arkansas Governor". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.

External links

Official campaign websites

[SHS2026-1] Barrow, Bill (July 18, 2024). "Project 2028: GOP officials jockey during Republican National Convention for future White House runs". Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 3, 2024. [Sarah Huckabee Sanders] was focused only on Trump's election and then her own reelection in 2026

[2] Leip, David. "2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results – Arkansas". www.uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2025.

[LoveAR-3] Brock, Roby (June 23, 2025). "Democratic State Sen. Fred Love announces for Arkansas Governor". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved June 23, 2025.

[4] "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.

[5] "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.

[6] "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.

[7] "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.

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Background

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

General election

Predictions

See also

References

External links