KTLO to host Republican primary forums ahead of pivotal Baxter County races

KTLO will host a series of live Republican primary political forums in early February as Baxter County voters prepare to decide several contested races, including sheriff and county judge, in the March 3 primary election.

The forums are intended to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates and learn more about their positions ahead of early voting. With the announcement that longtime Sheriff John Montgomery will not seek another term, voters are being tasked with selecting a new sheriff while also deciding on the county judge, a situation that has not occurred in Baxter County in many years.

The first forum will feature Justice of the Peace candidates and is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, February 10 at 9 live at KTLO.

A second day of forums will take place Wednesday, February 11 at the Foodbank of North Central Arkansas at 1042 Highland Circle in Mountain Home. Judge candidates will start the morning at 9, followed by sheriff candidates at 10. The public is invited to attend the Wednesday forums in person at the food bank.

Each forum will be broadcast live on KTLO FM 97.9 and streamed on KTLO Facebook and KTLOStreaming on YouTube with replay available to view for those unable to tune in or attend at the scheduled times.

Each candidate will be given time for opening and closing statements. Questions will be submitted by the public with efforts made to provide equal time and opportunity for candidates to respond.

A Pivotal Election Season

The forums come ahead of several contested Republican primaries in Baxter County. The sheriff’s race includes a three way Republican primary between Brian Davis, Mark Hollingsworth and Henry Campfield. No Democratic candidates filed for the office, meaning the primary winner will secure the position, although a runoff election is possible.

Incumbent County Judge Kevin Litty is seeking reelection and is being challenged by Justice of the Peace Eric Payne. With no Democratic candidate filed, the Republican primary winner will advance unopposed to the general election.

Five quorum court districts will also see contested Republican primaries. In District 2, incumbent Mike McDonald faces Teia Peters. District 3 features incumbent Rick Steiner and challenger Jay Sabella. In District 7, incumbent Bob Nault is challenged by Brian Ades. District 9 includes incumbent Cameron Davis and challenger James Baker. District 11, which is open due to Payne’s county judge bid, includes Tom Canta and Danny Woods.

The primary election is scheduled for March 3. Early voting begins February 18 and continues through March 2. Questions for the canditates may be submitted before the forums by emailing news@ktlo.com.

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