As Arkansas prepares for the 2026 primary, term limits under Amendment 73, which caps legislative service at 16 years, will bar several lawmakers from seeking re-election, reshaping the state’s political landscape.
A number of legislators, having reached the 16-year limit, will leave open seats in both the House and Senate, sparking what is expected to be a competitive primary in the GOP-dominated state. The Republican Party currently holds a 29-6 majority in the Senate and an 81-19 majority in the House.
Conduit reached out to both the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate, obtaining a list of legislators who will be termed out by 2026. This list, detailed below, highlights the scope of the turnover facing the state’s political establishment.
SENATORS:
HOUSE:
*We are told there is potential that an additional two House members may be terming out, but that is currently up for debate.
Here is a past Conduit article that breaks down the 16-year limit and how it actually applies to AR Senators: 16 Year Term Limits Proposal Actually Gives Senators 18 To 22 Years
Current Status of Term Limits in the Arkansas Legislature
Term limits for Arkansas legislators are governed by Amendment 73 of the Arkansas Constitution, as modified by voter-approved changes in 2014 and 2020.
- Total Service Limit: Legislators are limited to 16 years of total service in the Arkansas General Assembly, whether in the House of Representatives, the Senate, or a combination of both. This lifetime cap applies to both consecutive and non-consecutive terms.
- Effective Date: The 16-year limit was established via Issue 3 in 2020, which replaced a previous structure allowing 6 years in the House and 8 years in the Senate, with a possible extension to 12 consecutive years under certain conditions.
- Impact on 2026 Elections: Several legislators who have reached or will reach the 16-year limit by the 2026 Republican primary will be ineligible to run for re-election, leading to open seats in the House and Senate.
