Who is Colt Shelby and what is Shelby running on in the 2026 Arkansas Governor race?

Colt Shelby is the Libertarian candidate for Arkansas governor. Libertarian; farmer; entered politics opposing the proposed Franklin County prison. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Incumbent Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) seeking a second term.
• Rating: Solid R (Cook, Inside Elections).
• Polling: Sanders 45, Love 40, Shelby (L) 7, undecided 8 (Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College, Aug 11 to 12, 2026).

Why Shelby is behind

• Incumbent in a deep-red state with Trump’s endorsement; won 2022 with 63%.
• Overwhelming money edge: $7.8M raised vs Love’s ~$209K; $4.7M cash on hand vs $2,493 (July 31, 2026).
• Only poll is closer than expected (45 to 40), with Libertarian Shelby at 7%.
• Love attacks Sanders’s LEARNS Act voucher program and proposed Franklin County prison.

What Shelby is running on

• Healthcare. Meet federal Medicaid work requirements with job supports (internet, transportation, career counselling).
• Education. Accepts EFAs but wants them income-based.
• Crime / prisons. Expand Calico Rock facility and jail rehab programs instead of a new prison.
• Economy. Affordability: insurance regulation and infrastructure in lower-income counties; local control on data centers.

The other candidates

• Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R)
• Fred Love (D)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.