Who Is Running for Governor of Arkansas in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGovernor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has implemented three income tax rate reductions, lowering the top individual rate from 4.9% to 3.9%. She states these cuts aim to prevent the surrender of jobs, talent, and businesses to states without income tax. This strategy seeks to help Arkansas businesses grow and create more jobs. Additionally, she plans to focus on outdoor recreation as an economic driver and recruit new global trading partners.
Immigration
HighSarah Huckabee Sanders supports strict immigration policies. She introduced Senate Bill 426 in Arkansas, which enhances penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. This legislation also expands the state's ban on sanctuary cities and mandates local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities in apprehending and deporting undocumented migrants. She has stated that "Violent criminal illegals have no place in Arkansas" and her administration will ensure they are held accountable.
Healthcare
HighGovernor Sarah Huckabee Sanders supported certain GOP policies, which critics linked to health insurance rate increases. However, she later urged the rejection of proposed rate hikes by Centene and BlueCross, and her administration negotiated insurance rate increases down by 35.8%. She signed legislation to ban Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies, aiming to lower healthcare costs and increase access, and enacted laws mandating coverage for lung cancer screenings and deliveries in birthing centers.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Sarah Huckabee Sanders |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has implemented three income tax rate reductions, lowering the top individual rate from 4.9% to 3.9%. She states these cuts aim to prevent the surrender of jobs, talent, and businesses to states without income tax. This strategy seeks to help Arkansas businesses grow and create more jobs. Additionally, she plans to focus on outdoor recreation as an economic driver and recruit new global trading partners. High |
| Immigration | Sarah Huckabee Sanders supports strict immigration policies. She introduced Senate Bill 426 in Arkansas, which enhances penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. This legislation also expands the state's ban on sanctuary cities and mandates local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities in apprehending and deporting undocumented migrants. She has stated that "Violent criminal illegals have no place in Arkansas" and her administration will ensure they are held accountable. High |
| Healthcare | Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders supported certain GOP policies, which critics linked to health insurance rate increases. However, she later urged the rejection of proposed rate hikes by Centene and BlueCross, and her administration negotiated insurance rate increases down by 35.8%. She signed legislation to ban Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies, aiming to lower healthcare costs and increase access, and enacted laws mandating coverage for lung cancer screenings and deliveries in birthing centers. High |
| Climate & Energy | Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Senate Bill 421 (SB 421), which referred a bond measure to the ballot. This measure proposes issuing up to $500 million for water-related infrastructure projects. These projects include water treatment, pollution abatement, irrigation, and wetlands restoration. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Sarah Huckabee Sanders opposes abortion and explicitly does not support exceptions for rape or incest in anti-abortion legislation. She affirmed Arkansas's "Most Pro-Life State" ranking by Americans United for Life, speaking at a press conference on the matter in October 2025. Additionally, a group connected to her, Stronger Arkansas, provided funding to oppose abortion amendments. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Sarah Huckabee Sanders supports increased federal aid for farmers and ranchers. She advocates for opening new international markets and developing long-term trade partnerships with other countries, noting the Taiwan MOU as a significant opportunity. Her reasoning is to diversify trading partners, especially given current trade dynamics with China, and to bolster local agricultural sectors. High |
| Education | Sarah Huckabee Sanders prioritizes education reform through initiatives like the "Arkansas LEARNS" plan and the "Arkansas ACCESS" higher education bill. These aim to provide quality education, career readiness, and a better life for Arkansans. Key components include expanding technical training, improving literacy, enhancing school safety, offering free school breakfasts, and empowering parents with more choices. She also supported a bill banning personal electronic devices in public schools. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Medium |
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