By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Advocate readers! Twelve years ago, Tom Cotton was the insurgent challenging a two-term senator who he tied to a president who was unpopular in the state. Now, Democrats are hoping to do the same to Cotton as the two-term Republican seeks reelection. We take a look at this heated race.
Also, this week’s editor’s commentary looks at factors that could temper Democrats’ enthusiasm about the midterms in Arkansas.
You can find more Arkansas government and politics news at the Advocate site here.
Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton faces challenges from Democrat Hallie Shoffner and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin in his bid for reelection. (Courtesy of the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Tess Vrbin
Trump’s low approval ratings and rising concerns about affordability have raised Democrats’ hopes in their bid to unseat Cotton.
U.S. Senate candidate for Arkansas, Hallie Shoffner takes the stage on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the Ballots, Blue Jeans, & BBQ fundraiser in North Little Rock. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)
COMMENTARY
By Andrew DeMillo
The are enough warning signs to temper Democrats’ enthusiasm, and they point to longer term challenges the party will need to address if they can’t capitalize on such a favorable climate.
Members of the Colorado House of Representatives work on the floor during session in May 2022. Colorado has among the nation’s highest rates of women serving in the state legislature. (Pema Baldwin for Colorado Newsline)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Stateline
A record number of women are running for state legislative seats this November, more than two-thirds of whom are Democrats.
MORE NEWS
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