Businessman Wade Dunn is running in the Republican primary for the Arkansas Senate District 26 special election, saying he entered the race after encouragement from friends of the late Sen. Gary Stubblefield and Stubblefield’s family. Dunn told Conduit News he wants to bring decades of private-sector experience to Little Rock and focus on limiting government growth, opposing “corporate welfare,” and strengthening accountability in state policy.
Dunn also highlighted district-specific concerns, including continued opposition to the proposed prison project tied to Franklin County discussions, support for property tax relief for seniors and veterans, and a push for more local input on major developments like data centers.
Dunn emphasized that turnout will be critical in the low-profile special election, with voting beginning December 30 and Election Day set for January 6. He urged voters to make a plan to vote and encourage others to participate.
Learn more by visiting his website at www.wadedunnforarkansas.com or at his Facebook page here.
Key topics with timecodes
- Why he’s running / Gary Stubblefield’s legacy — 00:01:39–00:03:02
- Special election controversy & prison politics context — 00:03:02–00:04:25
- Background: Pepsi career, small business ownership, community boards — 00:04:48–00:05:51
- Small business climate, red tape & “candy tax / carwash tax” examples — 00:06:12–00:07:38
- Corporate incentives, lobbyists, “Little Rock Country Club” critique — 00:08:00–00:09:13
- Opposition to government “picking winners and losers” / repeal mindset — 00:09:13–00:11:13
- Spending growth, surpluses, and “assistance programs can be a trap” — 00:12:40–00:15:31
- LEARNS / school choice: supports choice, wants tighter accountability — 00:16:14–00:19:16
- Opposes taxpayer-funded lobbying & revolving-door influence — 00:19:16–00:21:19
- Legislator PACs, endorsements, and money in primaries — 00:22:12–00:24:28
- Prison stance: “adamantly opposed” (infrastructure/water limits) — 00:26:54–00:27:38
- Property tax relief for seniors & veterans; broader elimination discussion — 00:27:38–00:30:09
- Citizen-led initiatives: opposes legislature overturning voters — 00:31:01–00:32:39
- Data centers: favors county vote; concerns about power use & disruption — 00:32:39–00:35:05
- Election timeline & turnout push (“call five people”) — 00:35:25–00:36:57
- How to reach the campaign — 00:36:57–00:37:22
