Arkansas Secretary of State Runoff Divides GOP, Draws Outside Money

Kim Hammer and Bryan Norris face off in the only statewide race in Tuesday's Republican primary runoff election.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:02pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting of an Arkansas voting machine or ballot box, with overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in muted earth tones and deep blues, conveying a sense of tension and uncertainty surrounding the secretary of state runoff election.The divisive Republican primary runoff for Arkansas secretary of state reflects the high stakes and partisan battles over election security and integrity in the state.Benton Today

The Republican primary runoff for Arkansas secretary of state has become a contentious race, dividing GOP figures in the state and drawing significant spending from outside groups on both sides. Kim Hammer, a state senator, and Bryan Norris, a project manager and Army veteran, are the two candidates facing off in the runoff to be the state's top election official.

Why it matters

The secretary of state race is the only statewide runoff in Tuesday's election, making it a key contest that could set the tone for the general election in November. Both candidates are running on promises to secure elections and address Arkansas' low voter turnout, but their approaches and backing differ significantly.

The details

Hammer has the support of several top Arkansas Republicans, including the current secretary of state, and has touted his work on election restrictions. Norris has pushed for a return to paper ballots and an audit of voting systems after each election, and has the backing of Trump supporters like former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell. The race has drawn six-figure spending from outside groups on both sides, with one group highlighting Norris' controversial social media posts.

  • The Republican primary runoff election is on Tuesday, May 23, 2026.
  • The winner of the Republican runoff will face Democrat Kelly Grappe and Libertarian Michael Pakko in the November general election.

The players

Kim Hammer

A state senator from Benton who is running for Arkansas secretary of state. He has the support of several top state Republicans, including the current secretary of state.

Bryan Norris

A project manager and Army veteran who is also running for Arkansas secretary of state. He has the backing of Trump supporters like former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell.

Cole Jester

The current Arkansas secretary of state, who has criticized Norris for offensive social media posts.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The governor of Arkansas, who has endorsed Hammer in the secretary of state race.

Tom Cotton

The Republican U.S. senator from Arkansas, who has also endorsed Hammer.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know it all but I've got a pretty good working knowledge and I'll be able to go into the office not behind the learning curve.”

— Kim Hammer, State Senator

“is fighting for secure elections, hand-marked paper ballots, honest government, and generational wealth for Arkansas families — all in alignment with President Trump's election-security agenda.”

— Bryan Norris, Candidate for Arkansas Secretary of State

What’s next

The Republican primary runoff election for Arkansas secretary of state will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2026. The winner will then face the Democratic and Libertarian candidates in the November general election.

The takeaway

The contentious Republican primary runoff for Arkansas secretary of state highlights the deep divisions within the state's GOP, as well as the influence of outside groups and high-profile endorsements in the race to be the state's top election official.