Shoffner Commands Debate and Delivers Bold Vision for Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas U.S. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner demonstrated for Arkansas voters once again that she will be a new kind of leader who shows up with empathy, a bold vision for and belief in Arkansas, and a willingness to fight for Arkansas first.
This falls in sharp contrast to Tom Cotton who refused to debate or defend his record, which has seen Arkansas lead the nation in Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies, skyrocketing fuel and grocery prices, rural hospitals closing at an alarming rate, health care costs that leave many Arkansans uninsured, and farmers still waiting on relief from a Farm Bill.
‘“I want to be your next U.S. Senator because I have the sense enough to know how to put Arkansas first and not support any action or policy that is going to hurt you and your ability to support your family,” said Hallie Shoffner, candidate for the U.S. Senate.
During today’s Election 2026: Arkansas TV Debates, broadcast live on Arkansas TV as well as streamed at https://www.arkansastv.gov/elections, Shoffner and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin shared the stage. Though he was invited with both Shoffner and Wadlin, Cotton continued his nine year streak of refusing to answer to Arkansas constituents in a public forum for his failure to deliver for Arkansas. Cotton has not participated in a town hall or debate since 2017.
“Tom Cotton supports the chaos,” said Shoffner. “I wish he were standing here on the stage today with us, so that he could, in fact, answer for why he supports this chaos. I don't! I'm going to fight for stability and an economy that Arkansans can rely on.”
Shoffner shared personal stories of voters she’s met while traveling to all 75 Arkansas counties over the past 18 months that have fueled her desire to fight for Arkansans who are struggling with the high cost of everything from gas and groceries to utilities. She shared the fear neighbors across the state feel if they can afford to see a doctor or if there is a doctor in their area to see. And she verbalized the anger and frustration of trying to get help from Arkansas’ Senator who went to Washington and has rarely been seen in the state outside of a carefully curated photo op, who won’t listen to constituents and cannot be bothered to help when they need it.
“I'm here because last year I closed my family's 150-year-old farm, and I decided I wouldn't surrender,” said Shoffner. “I decided that if I can't farm, I'm going to fight for Arkansas. I'm going to fight for you!”
The full debate will be rebroadcast tonight at 7 p.m. on Arkansas TV. Election Day is November 3. Early voting begins October 19.
