By Andrew DeMillo | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Advocate readers!
Two debates down, more to go. Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman and Democratic rival James Russell found common ground in their debate, criticizing President Donald Trump’s diesel deal with Russia. And U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton’s ears may have been burning as his Democratic and Libertarian rivals focused their attention on the incumbent Republican lawmaker.
You can find more Arkansas government and politics news at the Advocate site here.
Candidates for Arkansas’ 4th Congressional District James Russell (D), left, and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R), right, debate on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 at the Arkansas TV studios in Conway, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ainsley Platt
Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman and Democratic challenger James Russell criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to purchase diesel from Russia but split on who’s to blame for rising gas prices as the two met for a debate on Monday.
Moderated by Steve Barnes, U.S Senate candidates for Arkansas Jeff Wadlin (L), and Hallie Shoffner (D), debate in the Arkansas TV studios in Conway, Arkansas on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ainsley Platt
Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton was not in the room as his Democratic and Libertarian challengers debated Monday, but criticism of the Arkansas lawmaker’s record and his absence from the debate took center stage.
The exterior of the Clinton presidential library in Little Rock on Thursday, April 2, 2026 (Photo by Andrew DeMillo/Arkansas Advocate)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Andrew DeMillo
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his family announced Monday they are donating $10 million toward the renovation and modernization of former President Bill Clinton’s library and museum in Little Rock.
MORE NEWS
Thanks for reading Arkansas Morning. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.