Stone County Sheriff Long faces challenger Simons; new county judge to be selected by voters

Voters in Stone County will decide several key races in the March 3 Preferential Primary, including contests for sheriff and county judge.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Incumbent Sheriff Brandon Long is seeking a second term, touting expanded deputy training, targeted drug operations, and the addition of two K-9 units during his first term. Challenger Dennis Simons, a retired Arkansas State Police criminal investigator, is also running for the position. Three candidates - Tim Hudspeth, Jim Nesbitt, and Darryl Sullivan - are vying for the office of Stone County judge. Voters will also decide two school district separation questions.

Why it matters

The Stone County sheriff and county judge races are important local elections that will shape the county's leadership and priorities for the next term. The school district separation questions also have significant implications for the affected communities.

The details

Long points to expanded deputy training, targeted drug operations, and the addition of two K-9 units as accomplishments during his first term. Challenger Simons retired from the Arkansas State Police in 2021 after serving as the criminal investigator for Stone County since 2003. The three county judge candidates - Hudspeth, Nesbitt, and Sullivan - each have different backgrounds and priorities, including improving roads, encouraging economic development, and protecting rural values.

  • The March 3 Preferential Primary will decide the Stone County sheriff and county judge races.
  • Early voting will be held from February 17-20 and February 23-27, with additional dates on February 21, February 28, and March 2.
  • On Election Day, March 3, polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The players

Brandon Long

Incumbent Stone County sheriff seeking a second term.

Dennis Simons

Retired Arkansas State Police criminal investigator challenging Long for the Stone County sheriff position.

Tim Hudspeth

Candidate for Stone County judge, with experience serving on the Stone County Quorum Court and a background in management.

Jim Nesbitt

Candidate for Stone County judge, former Quorum Court member who wants to prioritize improving county roads.

Darryl Sullivan

Candidate for Stone County judge, with 10 years of law enforcement experience and 15 years in banking, focusing on roads, economic development, and protecting rural values.

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What they’re saying

“If reelected, he says he plans to continue strengthening those efforts and expand outreach programs in local schools and the jail.”

— Brandon Long, Incumbent Stone County sheriff (ktlo.com)

“A 1985 graduate of Mountain View High School, Simons served in the U.S. Marine Corps until 1992. He also worked as a narcotics investigator in the 16th Judicial District.”

— Dennis Simons, Challenger for Stone County sheriff (ktlo.com)

“He has stated his background in management has prepared him to lead the county.”

— Tim Hudspeth, Candidate for Stone County judge (ktlo.com)

What’s next

The March 3 Preferential Primary will decide the winners of the Stone County sheriff and county judge races, as well as the two school district separation questions.

The takeaway

The Stone County elections will have a significant impact on the county's leadership and priorities, with the sheriff and county judge races as well as the school district separation questions being key issues for voters to consider.