Fulton County Primary Election Decides Key Races

Voters to choose sheriff, county leadership and vote on Mammoth Spring annexation

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Fulton County voters will head to the polls on March 3 to decide the future of the sheriff's office, several key county leadership positions, and a proposed land annexation in Mammoth Spring. The sheriff's race features three candidates, including the incumbent, while the county judge, assessor, coroner and constable races also have contested primaries. Voters in Mammoth Spring will also weigh in on a special election issue to annex certain lands along Highway 63 South.

Why it matters

This primary election will have a significant impact on the leadership and direction of Fulton County government. The sheriff's race and county leadership positions are critical roles that shape public safety, economic development, and community priorities. The Mammoth Spring annexation vote also has implications for the city's future growth and tax base.

The details

The Fulton County sheriff's race features incumbent Sheriff Jacob 'Jake' Smith seeking a second term, along with challengers Michael A. Eaton, a military veteran, and Wendell A. Lane, a longtime law enforcement officer. Two candidates are running for Fulton County judge - Heath Everett, a retired transportation worker, and Jeremy Langston, a county government employee. The assessor, coroner and constable races also have contested primaries. Voters in Mammoth Spring will decide on annexing land along Highway 63 South.

  • Early voting will be held from February 17-28, with Election Day on March 3.
  • The Mammoth Spring annexation vote will be a special election issue on the March 3 ballot.

The players

Jacob 'Jake' Smith

The incumbent Fulton County sheriff who is seeking a second term after starting as a road deputy in 2014 and later serving as chief deputy.

Michael A. Eaton

A lifelong Arkansan and military veteran with 21 years of service and seven combat deployments, challenging the incumbent sheriff.

Wendell A. Lane

A longtime Fulton County resident and 25-year law enforcement veteran, currently a detective sergeant with the Ash Flat Police Department, also challenging the incumbent sheriff.

Heath Everett

A lifelong Fulton County resident who retired after 26 years with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and also served as Salem fire chief, firefighter and a reserve police officer, running for county judge.

Jeremy Langston

A lifelong resident endorsed by outgoing Judge Kenneth Crow, works in county government and emergency management and is raising his family on the Langston farm, also running for county judge.

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What they’re saying

“The following 12 ballots contain all possible contests/candidates for Fulton County. Your particular ballot will depend on what party ballot you request, in what JP district you reside, and in what school district you reside.”

— Pam Guiltner, Fulton County Deputy Clerk (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The judge in the sheriff's race will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any of the candidates out on bail pending the primary election.

The takeaway

This primary election will shape the leadership and priorities of Fulton County government for years to come, with high-stakes races for sheriff, county judge, and other key positions on the ballot, as well as a pivotal vote on the Mammoth Spring annexation.