Arkansas voters participated in the state’s Preferential Primary Election on March 3, 2026, producing several notable victories for Black candidates seeking leadership roles across the state and in local governments. The results signal continued representation and influence of Black Arkansans in key political positions, while several races will advance to runoff elections scheduled for March 31, 2026.
Among the candidates, securing victories in their respective Democratic primaries is Talesha Dokes, who won the race for Arkansas House District 72. Her victory positions her to represent constituents in the Arkansas General Assembly and adds to the growing presence of Black leadership within the state legislature.
In Arkansas House District 81, Gina Thomas-Littlejohn also secured a Democratic primary win. Her campaign focused on community engagement and representation for residents in the district, and her victory puts her on the path to potentially joining the state’s legislative body.
At the county level, Wendell Griffen won the Democratic primary for Pulaski County Judge, defeating the incumbent to move forward in the election cycle. Griffen earned more than 60 percent of the vote in the primary, demonstrating strong voter support within the county.
Two incumbents also secured Democratic primary victories in law enforcement leadership roles. Eric Higgins won the Democratic primary for Pulaski County Sheriff, while Lafayette Woods Jr. secured the Democratic nomination for Jefferson County Sheriff. Both candidates will advance as their party’s nominees as the election cycle continues.
Another historic milestone emerged in the race for Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney. Bobby Forrest Jr. was elected to the position, becoming the first Black person to serve as the district's prosecuting attorney in Arkansas history. The role carries significant responsibility, overseeing criminal prosecutions within the district and shaping the administration of justice for the communities it serves.
While several races were decided outright, others will continue into runoff elections. In Arkansas Senate District 15, candidates Tara Shephard and Charity Smith-Allen advanced to the Democratic runoff election and will face each other.
Meanwhile, the Democratic primary for Jefferson County Judge will also move to a runoff, with Efrem Neely, Gerald Robinson, and Eric Walden Jr. competing after the initial round of voting.
The General Primary runoff elections are scheduled for March 31, 2026, where voters will determine the final Democratic nominees in races that did not produce a majority winner during the preferential primary.
As the election cycle progresses, these results highlight the continued participation and leadership of Black Arkansans across legislative, judicial, and local government positions. The outcomes also underscore the importance of voter engagement in shaping the leadership that will guide Arkansas communities in the years ahead.
See the full list of results at www.ktvh11.com/elections
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Source: THV11 Election Results
