Senator Ron Caldwell Defends Record in District 10 Race

Incumbent senator frames contest against newcomer Trey Bohannan as a choice between experience and uncertainty.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Incumbent Senator Ron Caldwell is seeking a fourth term, framing his contest against political newcomer Trey Bohannan as a clear choice between experience and uncertainty. Caldwell pointed to his conservative record, including supporting former President Donald Trump, but did not secure the endorsement of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders due to policy disagreements on issues like prison expansion, education, and renewable energy.

Why it matters

The race in District 10 is seen as a test of the Republican party's direction, with Caldwell positioning himself as a conservative stalwart while clashing with the governor on certain key issues. The outcome could impact the balance of power in the state legislature.

The details

Caldwell aligned himself firmly with former President Donald Trump, underscoring his loyalty to the party's base. However, he did not secure the endorsement of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and their differences have played out publicly. One of the sharpest divides centers on the governor's proposal to build a single 3,000-bed state prison, which Caldwell opposes due to cost concerns. Caldwell also broke with the governor on education, voting against her signature Arkansas LEARNS Act legislation. Another flashpoint is renewable energy, where Caldwell initially did not oppose wind turbine construction but now cites private property rights as the broader principle.

  • Caldwell is seeking a fourth term in the upcoming election.

The players

Senator Ron Caldwell

The incumbent senator in District 10 who is seeking a fourth term, positioning himself as a conservative stalwart while clashing with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on certain policy issues.

Trey Bohannan

The political newcomer challenging Caldwell for the District 10 seat.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The Republican governor of Arkansas who has endorsed Caldwell's opponent, Trey Bohannan, due to policy disagreements with Caldwell.

Former President Donald Trump

Caldwell has aligned himself firmly with the former president, underscoring his loyalty to the party's base.

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What they’re saying

“I'm one of the most conservative people over there. I've supported Donald Trump since the day he spoke in Hot Springs.”

— Senator Ron Caldwell (KATV)

“It's asinine to waste that much money on one location they do not have a firm price on what that prison is going to cost.”

— Senator Ron Caldwell (KATV)

“It's not my place to tell you what color to paint your house. It's not my place to tell you to plant cotton or to plant rice. And it's the same thing when it comes to windmills and to solar panels.”

— Senator Ron Caldwell (KATV)

“She wants somebody that would be a yes person and I'm not intimidated by the governor when it comes to passing quality bills.”

— Senator Ron Caldwell (KATV)

What’s next

The outcome of the District 10 race could impact the balance of power in the Arkansas state legislature, with Caldwell's clashes with Governor Sanders highlighting the divisions within the Republican party.

The takeaway

The District 10 race is a test of the Republican party's direction, with Caldwell positioning himself as a conservative stalwart while clashing with the governor on key policy issues like prison expansion, education, and renewable energy. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's political landscape.