Two candidates running for late Arkansas senator’s seat

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A pair of candidates have announced intentions to run for the late Sen. Gary Stubblefield’s seat in the Arkansas Senate.

Former State Rep. Mark Berry and Brad C. Simon of Paris announced their candidacies on Sept. 15 for the vacant Senate District 26 seat, which covers portions of Franklin, Johnson, Sebastian and Logan counties.

The announcements come after Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent a letter to Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Marcus Jones and Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Joseph Woods certifying the vacancy in Senate District 26 due to Stubblefield’s death under Arkansas Code Annotated 7-7-105.

“After prayerful consideration, I am announcing my bid for the Senate seat formerly held by my good friend and my Senator, Gary Stubblefield,” Berry said in a news release. “There are some big shoes to fill, but I find myself uniquely qualified to serve as the Senator representing Senate District 26.”

Berry previously served in the House of Representatives from 2021 to 2025, representing District 82 and District 26. He also served as the adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard from 2015 to 2019 and retired in 2019 after serving more than four decades in the military.

The former representative said his top priority “is to provide for the safety and security of our communities and schools.” His other priorities include “protecting our unborn, continuing to support Governor Sanders’ plan to lower taxes, improving our education and protecting our constitutional rights under the 2nd Amendment.”

Brad C. Simon, a small business owner from Paris, also announced his candidacy.

“Senator Gary Stubblefield was a true champion for our communities—a dairy farmer, Razorback alumnus, and dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for rural Arkansas values,” Simon said. “His unwavering opposition to government overreach, like the proposed prison in Franklin County, inspired us all. Gary’s passing leaves a profound void, and my thoughts and prayers remain with his family and loved ones. In his honor, I’m stepping up to carry on the fight for faith, freedom, and family first in District 26.”

Simon said in his campaign announcement that he is opposed to a prison being built at Mill Creek Mountain in Franklin County, calling it “government overreach that risks our water, environment and local economy.”