By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-chief
Good morning, Advocate readers! The Iran war and artificial intelligence were among the topics debated by U.S. House candidates on Wednesday. And that debate between Sen. Tom Cotton and Hallie Shoffner? Never mind, it’s not happening. You can find more Arkansas government and politics news on the Advocate site here.
U.S. Congressional District 1 candidates for Arkansas including Rep. Rick Crawford (R), Dr. Terri Yarbrough Green (D), and Steve Parsons (L) participate in a debate at the Arkansas TV studios on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 in Conway, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Antoinette Grajeda
The war in Iran was a contentious topic for candidates vying for Arkansas’ 1st Congressional District seat during an Arkansas TV debate Wednesday that also included discussions of tariffs and rural healthcare.
U.S. Congressional District 3 candidates for Arkansas Rep. Steve Womack (R), and Robb Ryerse (D), debate their positions at the Arkansas TV debate held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 in Conway, Arkansas. Bobby Wilson (L), also participated in the debate. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Antoinette Grajeda
Candidates seeking to represent the state’s 3rd Congressional District generally agreed on the need to regulate artificial intelligence during an Arkansas TV debate Wednesday, but split on the use of the technology for warfare.
Hallie Shoffner (D), candidate for the U.S. Senate in Arkansas, answers questions during the debate against Jeff Wadlin (L) on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the Arkansas TV studios in Conway, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Tess Vrbin
Arkansas Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton and Democratic challenger Hallie Shoffner will not debate each other in advance of the Nov. 3 election, both campaigns confirmed Wednesday.
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