Hempstead County GOP Holds Candidate Forum

HOPE, Ark. — The Hempstead County Republican Party hosted a candidate forum Thursday, Feb. 5, at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana campus. Party Chairman Steve Atchley welcomed those in attendance and asked Dr. Victor L. Ford to offer the invocation. Mark Ross led the Pledge of Allegiance. Atchley introduced April Lovette as the evening’s moderator. Lovette explained the format, noting that candidates would answer questions in a rotating order (first, second, second, first), which brought laughter when each candidate hesitated to return to the podium. Each response was limited to two minutes. Audience members were allowed to submit written questions, which were screened before being presented.

Candidates were introduced for several contested offices, including the non-partisan circuit court judge, District 8, Division 2; state representative, District 88; Hempstead County judge; sheriff; and circuit clerk. The justice of the peace, District 1, had only one candidate present. Several county offices and justice-of-the-peace districts are uncontested in the upcoming election. Candidates running unopposed for assessor, treasurer, collector, clerk, coroner, and justices of the peace in Districts 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 were allowed to address the audience.

County collector candidate Diane Honea Westbrook announced the smartphone app Hempstead Connect was live as of yesterday. February 4, 2026, and all community residents could access it for community information and alerts.

Only one question from the audience was submitted during the forum. That question was directed at the candidates for Hempstead County sheriff concerning retention and staffing.

Ross delivered the benediction, and Atchley dismissed the forum. The event provided Republican voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates while reinforcing civic engagement and community involvement within the county.