A Franklin County man has announced he will challenge Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the November general election after receiving the Libertarian Party of Arkansas nomination during the party’s recent state convention.
Colt Shelby said he is stepping into the race to give voters another option on the ballot this fall and thanked supporters who have reached out following the announcement.
“First, I want to thank everyone for the support that I have received over the last week,” Shelby said in a statement. “After being nominated at the Libertarian Party of Arkansas convention, I am stepping up to give you a real choice this fall.”
Shelby said he has surrounded himself with supporters and advisors who share his interest in addressing issues facing Arkansas and encouraged residents to reach out to him with concerns or suggestions as the campaign begins.
“I ask that anyone who has concerns or suggestions to call me, email me or message me,” Shelby said. “We have a lot of work to do, and I hope to have your support to make a change for a better Arkansas in November.”
Shelby is urging supporters to share information about his campaign through his social media page, “Colt Shelby for Arkansas,” as he begins outreach efforts across the state.
Shelby previously made headlines in October 2025 when a Pulaski County judge ruled in his favor in a lawsuit filed against Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders regarding the scheduling of a special election for Senate District 26.
In the lawsuit, Shelby argued that delaying the special election until after the start of the 2026 fiscal session would leave residents of the district without representation during key legislative decisions. Shelby contended the delay violated the constitutional principle of representation, citing concerns of “no taxation without representation.”
The Pulaski County court agreed, ruling that the governor’s proposed election timeline was invalid and determining that postponing the election would violate the constitutional rights of district residents to representation.
Now entering the statewide race, Shelby will face incumbent Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the November general election as the Libertarian Party candidate.
