Former Arkansas lawmaker pleads not guilty to felony domestic violence charges

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussions of domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

A former Arkansas lawmaker who is running for Benton County judge pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony charges that he assaulted his wife.

Former Rep. Austin McCollum appeared in Benton County Circuit Court and pleaded not guilty to second-degree battering, false imprisonment and aggravated assault against a family member.

Investigators said McCollum punched his wife in the face and slammed her head against the ground during an argument. A judge has granted an order of protection against McCollum requested by his wife, who has filed for divorce.

The Bentonville Republican stepped down last month, just days after being arrested. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and other top Republicans urged him to resign after the arrest.

McCollum, 35, had served in the Legislature since 2017. He was not seeking reelection and is the Republican nominee for Benton County judge. 

The Benton County Republican Party last week said there was no legal way to remove him from the November ballot. None of the conditions that would allow the party under state law to remove McCollum from the ballot, including the candidate moving out of the jurisdiction, being having a serious illness or filing for another office, had been met, the county party said.

McCollum’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 1.

Republican Kara Armas of Pea Ridge and Democrat Parker Stohlton of Bella Vista are running in a special election on Nov. 3 to serve the remainder of McCollum’s term in the House.

McCollum’s resignation left Republicans with a 79-20 majority in the House.