Two Arkansas State Senators Vie for Senate Pro-Tem Role

Senators Davis and Caldwell launch campaigns for powerful legislative leadership position.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:46pm

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An abstract, fragmented painting featuring the overlapping, repeated figures of two state senators in business attire, conveying the dynamic political contest for the Arkansas Senate Pro-Tem position through a conceptual visual metaphor.The race for the powerful Arkansas Senate Pro-Tem position has intensified as two experienced lawmakers vie for the influential leadership role.Little Rock Today

Two Arkansas state senators, Rusty Davis from Russellville and Jill Caldwell from Fayetteville, have both announced plans to run for the influential position of Senate Pro-Tem, the highest-ranking member of the state Senate.

Why it matters

The Senate Pro-Tem holds significant power in the Arkansas legislature, setting the agenda and committee assignments. This race will determine the direction of the state Senate for the next legislative session.

The details

Senator Davis and Senator Caldwell are both experienced lawmakers who have served multiple terms in the state Senate. They are running against each other to succeed the current Pro-Tem, who is term-limited. The election for the position will take place in the coming weeks among the 35 state senators.

  • The current Senate Pro-Tem is term-limited and will be stepping down.
  • The election for the new Pro-Tem will take place in the next few weeks.

The players

Rusty Davis

A state senator representing Russellville, Arkansas who has announced his candidacy for the Senate Pro-Tem position.

Jill Caldwell

A state senator representing Fayetteville, Arkansas who has also announced her candidacy for the Senate Pro-Tem position.

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What they’re saying

“I have the experience and vision to lead the Senate and move Arkansas forward in a bipartisan way.”

— Rusty Davis, State Senator

“As Pro-Tem, I will prioritize economic development, education reform, and healthcare access for all Arkansans.”

— Jill Caldwell, State Senator

What’s next

The 35 state senators will vote on the new Senate Pro-Tem in the coming weeks. The winner will set the agenda and committee assignments for the next legislative session.

The takeaway

This race for the powerful Senate Pro-Tem position will shape the priorities and direction of the Arkansas legislature for the next two years, making it a closely watched contest among political observers in the state.