2026 Arkansas Supreme Court election
This race is for a nonpartisan seat on the Arkansas Supreme Court, the state’s highest court, in the March 3, 2026 election. It drew unusual attention because state law barred appointed justices from running for re-election to the same seat, so two incumbent appointees ended up running for each other’s seats. The court matters because it decides major questions of state constitutional law, election rules, criminal and civil appeals, and other high-stakes disputes affecting Arkansas government. The main campaign contrast centered on judicial philosophy: Nicholas Bronni emphasized originalism and a more conservative approach, while John Adams stressed judicial restraint, independence, and keeping the court nonpartisan.
Candidates
Nicholas Bronni
Nicholas Bronni is an associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and sworn in on January 1, 2025. Before joining the court, he served as Arkansas solicitor general and worked in the Arkansas Attorney General’s office, private practice, and federal service. His campaign describes him as an originalist who favors plain-language opinions and a limited judicial role.
John Adams is an Arkansas attorney running for the state Supreme Court. His campaign says he has spent about 20 years representing Arkansans and emphasizes judicial independence, access to justice, and constitutional limits on government power.
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/7/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.