FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Conduit Freedom Caucus 75
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas voters sent a decisive message in Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff elections, delivering major victories to candidates backed by grassroots support and signaling a clear demand for change at the local level.
In Washington County, Tim Shepard overwhelmingly defeated incumbent County Judge Patrick Deakins in the Republican runoff, securing 5,471 votes (77.11%) to Deakins’ 1,624 votes (22.89%) — a decisive margin that signals a clear shift in leadership. Shepard’s win came despite Deakins being backed by establishment state legislators, including Reps. Steve Unger, Robin Lundstrum, and Charlene Fite.
In House District 6, Cody Rogers narrowly defeated Carroll County Justice of the Peace Hunter Rivett, earning 1,224 votes (50.8%) to Rivett’s 1,187 votes (49.2%) — a razor-thin 39-vote margin in a race where every single vote proved critical. Rivett had been endorsed by longtime establishment figure Congressman Steve Womack.
Conduit Freedom Caucus 75 was also engaged in the statewide Secretary of State runoff, where Kim Hammer narrowly defeated Bryan Norris. Hammer received 40,876 votes (50.58%) to Norris’ 39,938 votes (49.42%), a margin of just 938 votes out of 80,814 ballots cast.
Norris, a political outsider with little initial name recognition, traveled more than 44,000 miles across Arkansas, made over 300 personal appearances, and built a campaign centered on direct voter engagement. Despite facing significant opposition — including establishment endorsements and more than $400,000 in attack ads — Norris remained competitive through Election Day.
The razor-thin margins in the Secretary of State and House District 6 races reinforce a clear reality: in low-turnout runoffs, every vote matters. These results show that grassroots voters still decide elections — not endorsements — and highlight a growing disconnect between political elites and their local base.
Conduit Freedom Caucus 75 emphasized that while these victories are significant, the work is just beginning. Arkansans are demanding transparency, accountability, and leadership that reflects their values, and efforts will continue to support candidates who stand for those principles.
To learn more or join the movement, visit cfc75.com.
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