Stacie Smith, a longtime Greenwood resident who has spent her career serving Arkansas communities, has announced her Republican candidacy for the Arkansas State Senate representing District 26. The district includes portions of Franklin, Johnson, Logan, and Sebastian counties. The primary election is currently set for March 3, 2026, pending the outcome of litigation.
Smith said, “The late Senator Gary Stubblefield leaves behind a legacy of strong, principled leadership. Moving forward, we need a Senator who honors that legacy and brings the skills necessary to tackle today’s complex issues. As a Government and Community Relations leader with a strong background in both Economic Development and Civic Engagement, I will effectively serve our district and ensure our voices are heard in Little Rock.
“I am running for Senate because, as a 30-year resident of Sebastian County, I find it unacceptable that our community may go unrepresented during the fiscal session. Furthermore, I am against the proposed prison at Mill Creek Mountain. As your Senator, I would not support it, nor would I vote to fund it. As a fiscal conservative, I cannot support spending $1 billion on a 3,000-bed prison when our state has so many other needs. Our jails are overcrowded and we need more prison beds, so as Senator I’ll work with everyone to find a responsible solution for a new prison in a location that makes sense. That is my commitment to the people of District 26.”
Stacie Smith emphasizes her deep connection to the River Valley – a region she describes as “rural but mighty” – and aligns herself with its values, hard work ethic, strong families, and community involvement. Smith’s platform centers on strengthening education, healthcare, and workforce development, positioning District 26 as a hub of innovation and prosperity – a cornerstone for Arkansas’s future.
About Stacie
Stacie Smith is currently the Community Affairs Coordinator for Arkansas Oklahoma Gas (AOG), a subsidiary of Summit Utilities, Inc., where she leads the company’s efforts to support local families, businesses, and community partnerships. She previously worked 18 years in Government Relations at Golden Living, where she advocated for eldercare issues and was a champion for improving the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, her strong record of community involvement includes currently serving on the boards of the United Way of Fort Smith Area as well as the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is also an alumna of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Arkansas Class II, and was honored with the Key to the City of Greenwood for her volunteer efforts with the city’s “Teen Green” initiative to help students earn volunteer hours through recycling efforts which enhanced their college and scholarship applications.
Stacie and her husband, Tim, raised six children and recently welcomed their second grandchild. They attend Harvest Time Church in Fort Smith, as faith and family are central to their lives.
For more information about Stacie’s campaign, please visit www.StacieSmithForArkansas.com
