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PHOTO GALLERY: Views from the campaign trail in Arkansas

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PHOTO GALLERY: Views from the campaign trail in Arkansas

Gov & Politics
Nov 01, 2026 | 6:00 am ET
By Advocate Staff
PHOTO GALLERY: Views from the campaign trail in Arkansas
Voters line up at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church for the primary election in Little Rock, Arkansas on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

From watermelon eating contests to a dinner serving raccoon meat, Arkansas’ candidates have traveled throughout the state to talk with voters in the months leading up to Tuesday’s election.

Here’s a view of the campaign trail during the 2026 race from the Advocate’s reporters and photographers.

 

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and husband, Bryan, talk to election workers at the Dunbar Recreation Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and husband, Bryan, talk to election workers at the Dunbar Recreation Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Arkansas Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton takes a few questions from media at Republican Party headquarters in downtown Little Rock on March 3, 2026 after being declared winner of his party’s primary.
Arkansas Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton takes a few questions from media at Republican Party headquarters in downtown Little Rock on March 3, 2026 after being declared winner of his party’s primary. (Photo by John Sykes Jr./Arkansas Advocate)

 

Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton talks to reporters at Republican Party headquarters in downtown Little Rock on March 3, 2026 after being declared winner of his party’s primary.
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton talks to reporters at Republican Party headquarters in downtown Little Rock on March 3, 2026 after being declared winner of his party’s primary. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Hallie Shoffner, running for a U.S. Senate seat, attends the Hope Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Hallie Shoffner, running for a U.S. Senate seat, attends the Hope Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas on Saturday, August 8, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Sen. Kim Hammer and Rep. Dolly Henley pose for photos after the watermelon eating contest at the Hope Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Sen. Kim Hammer and Rep. Dolly Henley pose for photos after the watermelon eating contest at the Hope Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas on Saturday, August 8, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Sen. Fred Love shakes hands with visitors at the Hope Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Sen. Fred Love shakes hands with visitors at the Hope Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas on Saturday, August 8, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

From left: Libertarian lieutenant governor candidate Michael Kalagias, Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Wadlin and Stand Up Arkansas co-founders Steve and Kelly Grappe chat at the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry on Aug. 29, 2026.
From left: Libertarian lieutenant governor candidate Michael Kalagias, Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Wadlin and Stand Up Arkansas co-founders Steve and Kelly Grappe chat at the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry on Aug. 29, 2026. Kelly Grappe is the Democratic candidate for secretary of state. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Stele James, a Democrat from western Yell County, showed support for Democratic secretary of state candidate Kelly Grappe and Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Colt Shelby at the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry on Aug. 29, 2026.
Stele James, a Democrat from western Yell County, showed support for Democratic secretary of state candidate Kelly Grappe and Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Colt Shelby at the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry on Aug. 29, 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Secretary Pete Buttigieg (right) joins Arkansas congressional candidate Chris Jones (left) on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Dreamland Ballroom in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg (right) joins Arkansas congressional candidate Chris Jones (left) on Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Dreamland Ballroom in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Arkansas congressional candidate Chris Jones take photos with supporters at the historic Dreamland Ballroom in Little Rock, Arkansas on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Arkansas congressional candidate Chris Jones take photos with supporters at the historic Dreamland Ballroom in Little Rock, Arkansas on Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott watches as Kamala Harris holds aloft her key to the city at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott watches as Kamala Harris holds aloft her key to the city at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026 (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Colt Shelby (left) speaks to voters at the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry on Aug. 29, 2026.
Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Colt Shelby (left) speaks to voters at the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry on Aug. 29, 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

 

The welcome sign to Gillett, Arkansas
The welcome sign to Gillett, Arkansas highlights the town’s annual event that’s a must-stop for Arkansas politicians. (Photo by Andrew DeMillo/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Tammra Fields, an Indivisible NWA volunteer, registers election protection volunteers during a No Kings voter education event in Springdale on Oct. 17, 2026.
Tammra Fields, an Indivisible NWA volunteer, registers election protection volunteers during a No Kings voter education event in Springdale on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

A protestor holds a sign during No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026.
A protestor holds a sign during No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

A protestor holds an American flag following a No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026.
A protestor holds an American flag following a No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Protestors hold signs during No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026.
Protestors hold signs during No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Orange letters that say Don't Ghost the Polls Vote hang on a fence in downtown Springdale
Indivisible NWA hosted a No Kings voter education event in Springdale on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Robb Ryerse, Democratic candidate for Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District, chats with volunteers at a No Kings event in Springdale that was hosted by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026.
Robb Ryerse, Democratic candidate for Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District, chats with volunteers at a No Kings event in Springdale that was hosted by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Democrat Robb Ryerse speaks to a group gathered for a Vote Common Good event in Rogers on Sept. 17, 2026.
Democrat Robb Ryerse speaks to a group gathered for a Vote Common Good event in Rogers on Sept. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Robb Ryerse, Democratic candidate for Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District, and his wife, Vanessa, speak with a guest of the Chickin, Peelin’ & Politickin’ networking event at Springdale's Shiloh Square on Oct. 1, 2026.
Robb Ryerse, Democratic candidate for Arkansas’ 3rd Congressional District, and his wife, Vanessa, speak with a guest of the Chickin, Peelin’ & Politickin’ networking event at Springdale’s Shiloh Square on Oct. 1, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

A group of protestors stand outside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' meet and greet event at AQ Chicken House in Springdale as part of her Capital for a Day initiative on Oct. 8, 2026.
Protestors stand outside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ meet and greet event at AQ Chicken House in Springdale as part of her Capital for a Day initiative on Oct. 8, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Arkansas Division of Higher Education Commissioner Ken Warden plugs his ears as he walks past a group of protestors standing outside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' meet and greet event at AQ Chicken House in Springdale as part of her Capital for a Day initiative on Oct. 8, 2026.
Arkansas Division of Higher Education Commissioner Ken Warden plugs his ears as he walks past a group of protestors standing outside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ meet and greet event at AQ Chicken House in Springdale as part of her Capital for a Day initiative on Oct. 8, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Protestors stand outside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' meet and greet event at AQ Chicken House in Springdale as part of her Capital for a Day initiative on Oct. 8, 2026.
Protestors stand outside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ meet and greet event at AQ Chicken House in Springdale as part of her Capital for a Day initiative on Oct. 8, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

A protestor holds a sign during No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026.
A protestor holds a sign during No Kings event in Springdale that was organized by Indivisible NWA on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

 

U.S. Congressional District 2 candidates Democrat Chris Jones and Republican incumbent Rep. French Hill shake hands after the debate at the Arkansas TV studios in Conway, Arkansas on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026.
U.S. Congressional District 2 candidates Democrat Chris Jones and Republican incumbent Rep. French Hill shake hands after the debate at the Arkansas TV studios in Conway, Arkansas on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

U.S. Congressional District 4 Republican incumbent Rep. Bruce Westerman, right, responds to questions during a debate at the Arkansas TV studios in Conway, Arkansas, on Monday, October 12, 2026.
U.S. Congressional District 4 Republican incumbent Rep. Bruce Westerman, right, responds to questions during a debate at the Arkansas TV studios in Conway, Arkansas, on Monday, October 12, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

U.S. Congressional District 3 candidates for Arkansas, Republican Rep. Steve Womack and Democrat Robb Ryerse, debate their positions at the Arkansas TV debate held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 in Conway, Arkansas. Libertarian Bobby Wilson also participated in the debate.
U.S. Congressional District 3 candidates for Arkansas, Republican Rep. Steve Womack and Democrat Robb Ryerse, debate their positions at the Arkansas TV debate held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 in Conway, Arkansas. Libertarian Bobby Wilson also participated in the debate. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

U.S. Congressional District 1 candidates for Arkansas including Republican Rep. Rick Crawford, Democrat Dr. Terri Yarbrough Green and Libertarian Steve Parsons participate in a debate at the Arkansas TV studios on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 in Conway, Arkansas.
U.S. Congressional District 1 candidates for Arkansas including Republican Rep. Rick Crawford, Democrat Dr. Terri Yarbrough Green and Libertarian Steve Parsons participate in a debate at the Arkansas TV studios on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 in Conway, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Democratic congressional nominee Chris Jones voting with his daughters Janelle (13, left) and Jasmine (10, right) at the Pulaski County early voting site in downtown Little Rock on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
Democratic congressional nominee Chris Jones voting with his daughters Janelle (13, left) and Jasmine (10, right) at the Pulaski County early voting site in downtown Little Rock on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Jones is running against Republican U.S. Rep. French Hill in the 2nd Congressional District. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Hallie Shoffner walks in the Central Arkansas Pride Parade near the Arkansas Capitol on Saturday, October. 17, 2026 in Little Rock.
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Hallie Shoffner walks in the Central Arkansas Pride Parade near the Arkansas Capitol on Saturday, October. 17, 2026 in Little Rock. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

 

Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Hallie Shoffner casts her ballot at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library in Little Rock on the first day of early voting on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Hallie Shoffner casts her ballot at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library in Little Rock on the first day of early voting on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate)
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