Democrat Flips Republican Seat in Arkansas

Alex Holladay defeats GOP businessman in special election for state House district

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Democrat Alex Holladay won a special election for Arkansas House District 70, defeating Republican businessman Bryan 'Bo' Renshaw. The district has been closely contested in recent elections, with Donald Trump carrying it in 2020 but Kamala Harris winning it in 2024.

Why it matters

Arkansas has become one of the Republican Party's most reliable states in presidential elections, making Holladay's victory notable. The result adds to a growing list of Democratic overperformances in special elections nationwide that party strategists see as an encouraging sign heading into the 2026 midterms.

The details

Holladay focused his campaign on economic issues like the cost of living and opposition to a proposal by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to build a large prison in rural northwest Arkansas. The district has been closely contested, with Republican Carlton Wing narrowly defeating Holladay in 2024 before the seat became vacant.

  • The special election was held on Tuesday, March 5, 2026.
  • Holladay will serve the remainder of the current term representing Arkansas House District 70.

The players

Alex Holladay

The Democratic candidate who won the special election for Arkansas House District 70.

Bryan 'Bo' Renshaw

The Republican businessman who was defeated by Holladay in the special election.

Carlton Wing

The former Republican state Representative who left the legislature last year after accepting an appointment to lead Arkansas PBS.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The Republican Governor of Arkansas who has proposed building a large prison in rural northwest Arkansas.

Kamala Harris

The Democratic candidate who won Arkansas House District 70 in the 2024 presidential election.

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What they’re saying

“Last time, they told us they were tired of someone who sits up there and votes yes, yes, yes, and never even thinks about the word, 'Does that make sense? Maybe I should vote no.' Last time, they told us they wanted better leadership. And this time, they answered.”

— Alex Holladay

“Congratulations to Democrat Alex Holladay for flipping Arkansas HD 70 from red to blue! This is an approximate 26 point over performance. Run Democrats everywhere.”

— Ted Lieu, U.S. Representative from California's 36th congressional district (X)

What’s next

Holladay will serve the remainder of the current term representing Arkansas House District 70, filling the vacancy left by Carlton Wing.

The takeaway

This special election result in a reliably Republican state highlights the potential for Democrats to make gains in 2026, even in traditionally conservative areas, by focusing on local issues and turning out voters. It also underscores the importance of special elections as indicators of broader political trends.