For three years as County Judge, Patrick Deakins has bullied his way through Washington County, imposing (without a mandate):
- “Out of control” spending!
- Avoidable risks!
- Consolidation of power!
- and worst of all, …
“Created Hostile/Aggressive County Leadership!”
Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins has built a record that raises serious concerns about spending, transparency, and the concentration of power.
Under Deakins, county spending increased 51% over four years, while revenues rose just 0.04%—a gap that should alarm taxpayers. At the same time, his tenure has been marked by repeated lawsuits, unilateral decision-making, and conflicts with other elected officials that critics say were avoidable.
From controversial settlements and outside partnerships to ignored transparency laws, reorganized departments, and major construction projects—including $19 million in jail space funded with COVID dollars—opponents argue Deakins’ leadership has prioritized control and expansion over restraint and accountability.
That record has produced something rare: bipartisan agreement that Washington County deserves a different approach.
Over the coming days, we’ll walk through the key actions and decisions of County Judge Patrick Deakins that critics say show why Washington County can’t afford another term.
Deakins’ disappointing record speaks for itself —
Day 1:
- Increased spending by 51% in 4 years with only a .04% rise in revenues.
Day 2:
- Continually provokes and files County lawsuits.
Day 3:
- Demands he (alone) replace the long-standing County Zoning Ordinance.
- Gave his ex-employer a $500K legal settlement, claiming Quorum Court discriminated.i
- Partnering w/Northwest Arkansas Council to hand control of Washington County.ii
Day 4:
- Ignores Arkansas’ government transparency FOIA laws.
- Illegally shut down numerous county boards and programs.
- Re-organizing longstanding County Departments according to his own ideals.
Day 5:
- Forces other elected County officials to use his “own legal team.”
- Files petty Complaints and signs his own Orders against other “elected” County officials.
- Each year he has paid his personal CPA licensing fees with County funds.
Day 6:
- Builds multiple buildings ignoring need/cost/upkeep: insurance/maintenance.
- Using Covid $ to build $19M jail space- ignoring costs, law, legal opposition.
- “No Mandate” Deakins, “Has brought Republicans and Democrats together to rid Washington County of Deakins’ Leadership!”
Day 7:
- Summary: Why Patrick Deakins must go as Washington County Judge!
i https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/dec/09/washington-county-officials-endorse-500000/#:~:text=Washington%20County%20officials%20endorse%20$500%2C000,three%20times%20at%20the%20Dec. ‘We know the CUP process is indefensible,” Deakins said. “The JPs obstinance is why we’re here. I implore the Quorum Court to settle this and to reform our planning process [emphasis added].”
ii https://nwacouncil.org/executive-committee/ Co-Chairs: Charles Robinson-Presiding (Chancellor, U of A), Nick Hobbs (J.B. Hunt), Chad Evans (Arvest Bank), Cindi Marsiglio (Walmart), Todd Simmons (Simmons Foods), John R. Tyson (Tyson Foods), Marshall Saviers-VC/Treasurer(Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners), Jim Walton-Secretary (Arvest Bank).
Election Day: March 3, 2026
Early Voting Begins: February 17
“No Mandate” Deakins — won the 2022 primary by only 18 votes!
