Benton County Republicans pick Austin McCollum for county judge

McCollum beat out Justice of the Peace Carrie Smith in the Republican primary, may face independent opponent in November

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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State Rep. Austin McCollum won the Benton County judge position in the Republican primary election, defeating Justice of the Peace Carrie Smith. McCollum received 64% of the vote. He may face an independent opponent, Taylor Sizemore, in the November general election, as no Democrats filed to run for the seat.

Why it matters

The county judge is the chief executive of county government in Arkansas, making this a key local election. Benton County has been experiencing significant growth, leading to issues around the cost of living and public safety that the new county judge will need to address.

The details

McCollum, 35, has served in the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2017 and was endorsed by several state Republican leaders. He said he wants to work on the county budget to prioritize public safety, potentially exempt groceries from the county sales tax, and find ways to make county government more efficient. Smith, 60, has been on the Benton County Quorum Court since 2019 and previously ran unsuccessfully for local offices in Rogers.

  • The Republican primary election was held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • The November 3, 2026 general election will determine the next Benton County judge.
  • Incumbent County Judge Barry Moehring, a Republican, announced on July 24 that he would not seek a fourth term.

The players

Austin McCollum

A 35-year-old state representative who won the Republican primary for Benton County judge, receiving 64% of the vote. He has been endorsed by several state Republican leaders and says he wants to focus on the county budget, public safety, and making government more efficient.

Carrie Smith

A 60-year-old Justice of the Peace who lost to McCollum in the Republican primary for Benton County judge, receiving 36% of the vote. She has served on the Benton County Quorum Court since 2019 and previously ran unsuccessfully for local offices in Rogers.

Taylor Sizemore

A Bentonville resident who filed as an independent candidate for Benton County judge. He must submit 2,000 valid signatures from registered Benton County voters by May 1 in order to appear on the November ballot.

Barry Moehring

The incumbent Benton County judge, a Republican, who announced on July 24 that he would not seek a fourth term.

Shawn Holloway

The Benton County Sheriff, who endorsed McCollum for county judge.

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What they’re saying

“I am grateful and I am looking forward to working on a budget that prioritizes public safety.”

— Austin McCollum (arkansasonline.com)

“I also want to say thank you to my amazing team of volunteers.”

— Carrie Smith (arkansasonline.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Taylor Sizemore on the November ballot as an independent candidate for Benton County judge.

The takeaway

This election highlights the importance of local leadership in addressing the challenges facing rapidly growing counties like Benton, such as the cost of living and public safety. The new county judge will need to work collaboratively with state and local officials to find solutions.