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Searcy Today
By the People, for the People
Multiple County Sheriff and Judge Races Head to Runoff
Voters in North Central Arkansas to decide several close contests on March 31
Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:20pm
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Several closely contested races across North Central Arkansas will be decided in the March 31 Preferential Primary runoff election after no candidate reached the required 50 percent plus one vote needed in their respective races to win the March 3 primary. The most closely watched race is the Baxter County sheriff's contest, while other runoffs will determine the county judge races in Boone and Stone Counties, as well as the Republican nominee for State Representative District 5 in Boone County.
Why it matters
These local races for sheriff, judge, and state representative are critical for determining the leadership and policies that will shape the region over the next few years. The close margins in many of these contests highlight the importance of voter turnout in the runoff election.
The details
In the Baxter County sheriff's race, Mark Hollingsworth led the primary with 46% of the vote and will face Brian Davis, who received 40%. The two candidates were separated by just 429 votes. The Boone County judge race will be decided between County Judge Tyler Gentry, who finished first with 39% of the vote, and Bobby Woods, who received 30%. Another Boone County runoff will determine the Republican nominee for State Representative District 5, with Mike Bishop leading Jeff Pratt by just 86 votes. The Stone County judge race will be between Tim Hudspeth, who led with 46% of the vote, and Darryl Sullivan. The Searcy County sheriff's race will move to a runoff between incumbent Sheriff Kenny Cassell and Troy Dye, who trailed by 430 votes.
- The March 31 Preferential Primary runoff election will decide several closely contested races across North Central Arkansas.
- Early voting for the runoff election is currently underway, with Election Day set for next Tuesday, March 31.
The players
Mark Hollingsworth
A candidate in the Baxter County sheriff's race, leading the primary with 46% of the vote.
Brian Davis
A candidate in the Baxter County sheriff's race, receiving 40% of the vote in the primary.
Tyler Gentry
The current Boone County judge, finishing first in the primary with 39% of the vote.
Bobby Woods
A candidate in the Boone County judge race, receiving 30% of the vote in the primary.
Mike Bishop
A candidate in the Boone County State Representative District 5 Republican primary, leading with 32% of the vote.
What’s next
Early voting for the runoff election continues at the same locations used during the primary election, with Election Day set for next Tuesday, March 31.
The takeaway
The close margins in many of these local contests highlight the importance of voter turnout in the runoff election, as the outcomes will have a significant impact on the leadership and policies that shape North Central Arkansas in the coming years.
