Arkansas Senate Race Heats Up as Challengers Aim to Unseat Sen. Tom Cotton

Candidates focus on bringing fresh voices to Washington as Cotton fights to retain his seat

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The race for the U.S. Senate seat in Arkansas is heating up as incumbent Republican Sen. Tom Cotton faces primary challengers and a Democratic opponent in the upcoming elections. Cotton, who has represented the state since 2015, is touting his conservative values and support from former President Trump, while his opponents are positioning themselves as fresh voices who can better understand and address the struggles of everyday Arkansans.

Why it matters

The Arkansas Senate race is a key battleground in the broader fight for control of the U.S. Senate, which is currently evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. The outcome could have significant implications for the legislative agenda in Washington, D.C. over the next several years.

The details

Cotton, a rising star in the Republican Party, is facing primary challenges from Jeb Little, a former National Guard medic and current Arkansas State Trooper, and Ethan Dunbar, a 34-year military veteran and mayor of Lewisville. On the Democratic side, Hallie Shoffner, a sixth-generation farmer, is vying to unseat Cotton. The candidates are focused on issues like inflation, cost of living, and leadership, with Shoffner portraying Cotton as out-of-touch with the struggles of everyday Arkansans.

  • The Arkansas primary elections are scheduled for May 2026.

The players

Sen. Tom Cotton

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator for Arkansas, first elected in 2014 and seeking re-election. Cotton is a rising star in the Republican Party and has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

Hallie Shoffner

The Democratic candidate challenging Cotton, a sixth-generation farmer who is positioning herself as a fresh voice that can better understand and address the struggles of Arkansans.

Jeb Little

A Republican primary challenger to Cotton, a former National Guard medic and current Arkansas State Trooper who is promising "honest, Christ-focused, incorruptible service" if elected.

Ethan Dunbar

A Republican primary challenger to Cotton, a 34-year military veteran and current mayor of Lewisville who is focusing his campaign on issues like inflation and cost of living.

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What they’re saying

“I've worked with President Trump to deliver for Arkansas's conservative values: a secure border, a rebuilt military, and lower taxes. I led the fight against Joe Biden's radical agenda that hurt Arkansas, and conservatives here know I have their back.”

— Sen. Tom Cotton (thv11.com)

“I am a sixth-generation farmer. I'm a mom. I am the daughter of two senior parents, and right now I'm running because I believe that we should restore the American Dream to Arkansas.”

— Hallie Shoffner, Democratic Candidate (thv11.com)

“Look at our inflation, our cost of living, and how it's affecting our checkbooks now. And who do we think is the best candidate to go and fight for us? And I think I'm the best candidate because I have the extensive experience. I'm a 34-year military veteran and in my second term as mayor in Lewisville.”

— Ethan Dunbar, Republican Candidate (thv11.com)

What’s next

The Arkansas primary elections are scheduled for May 2026, where voters will decide the Republican and Democratic nominees for the U.S. Senate race.

The takeaway

The Arkansas Senate race is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with incumbent Republican Sen. Tom Cotton facing challenges from within his own party as well as a Democratic opponent who is positioning herself as a fresh voice for the state. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.