Two Republicans declare candidacy for Arkansas Senate seat vacated by Stubblefield’s death

Two Arkansas River Valley Republicans announced that they will seek their party’s nomination to succeed Sen. Gary Stubblefield, who died earlier this month

By: Tess Vrbin
Arkansas Advocate

Two Arkansas River Valley Republicans announced Monday that they will seek their party’s nomination to succeed Sen. Gary Stubblefield, who died earlier this month.

Mark Berry, a former state representative from Ozark, said in a statement posted on Facebook that Stubblefield left behind “some big shoes to fill.” Berry said his years of state government experience have given him “knowledge, skills, abilities and legislative relationships” that make him “uniquely qualified” to finish Stubblefield’s term, which ends in 2029.

Brad Simon, a Paris businessman, announced Monday that he would run for Stubblefield’s seat instead of for GOP Rep. Jon Eubanks’ House seat as he previously announced.

“I’ll be a listener and a fighter for the people of District 26 if they put their faith and trust in me,” Berry said.

Berry declined to run for reelection to the House last year after serving two terms. He is a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and the Arkansas Air National Guard. He served as adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard from 2015 to 2019 and was Secretary of the Military for part of that time.

Senate District 26 includes parts of Franklin, Johnson, Logan and Sebastian counties. Berry is from Franklin County; Simon is from Logan County.

Simon wrote on Facebook: “While no one can truly replace the late Senator Gary Stubblefield’s legacy of service and leadership, I stand ready to carry forward the work with humility and determination by representing our rural conservative values.”

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