Overview
- After polls closed Tuesday, Pulaski County released early and absentee totals that showed decisive preliminary margins in several local contests.
- In the Democratic primary for county judge, Wendell Griffen led incumbent Barry Hyde 16,942 to 10,040 on early ballots; the winner faces Republican Michael Rushin in November.
- Sheriff Eric Higgins held an 81%–19% early-vote advantage over James “J.D.” Wheeler; with no Republican filed, the primary winner secures the office.
- Challenger Bobby Forrest Jr. led Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones 54%–46% in Pulaski County’s early and absentee count.
- Treasurer Debra Buckner opened a 69%–31% early lead over Adam Fogleman, while Robert Tellez ran near 55% in a three-way circuit-judge race and Judge Patti James led 80%–20%; all figures are unofficial.