Arkansas gubernatorial candidates debate education and state issues in Conway
Sarah Huckabee Sanders met her two political rivals on stage in Conway for a campaign forum. The meeting let voters compare their plans for the state before the general election. Arkansas TV hosted the event on Tuesday.
Sanders, Fred Love, and Colt Shelby discussed education, farming, prison capacity, and maternal health. Sanders serves as the incumbent Republican governor. Love is the Democratic nominee, and Shelby is the Libertarian nominee.
Education drew sharp focus around the 2023 LEARNS Act. Sanders signed that education reform measure into law. She defended the reform during the forum.
“What’s not fair is being satisfied with Arkansas being 48, 49, 50th in education,” Sanders said.
Love labeled the LEARNS Act unsuccessful. He promised swift action against it if elected.
“I will issue an executive order to end the LEARNS Act,” Love said. “That’s what is fair. Because we need to be focused on investing in all kids, not just a few.”
Shelby also attacked the education law. He warned Conway listeners that the program costs too much money.
“Our children are going to fall behind if we don’t get a head count on this. We need to scale it back and get it where we can afford it,” Shelby said.
The nominees moved to the topic of agriculture. Farmers currently face financial challenges. Love proposed property tax relief and state-level tax cuts for farmers.
Shelby said he wants an agriculture secretary who prioritizes farmer needs. Sanders pointed to her record on diesel fuel prices. She said her executive order made diesel more affordable for farmers.
The stage discussion shifted toward prison space. Sanders reported her administration opened 1,500 prison beds. She plans to keep expanding prison capacity.
Sanders mentioned an investment in a pilot program to reduce recidivism. Love said he wants opportunities that help people stay out of lockup. He prefers programs that stop repeat crimes.
Shelby proposed a CSI program for first-time offenders. That model would focus on recovery, re-entry, and rehabilitation.
Maternal health produced another divide among the three candidates. Love argued the state must provide 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage. He criticized Sanders for not enacting that benefit.
Sanders defended her Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program. She said the initiative sends $45 million annually toward maternal health goals. Shelby stated Arkansas must do more for mothers after childbirth.
A gubernatorial campaign debate allows nominees to present contrasting platforms directly to the public. Candidates use the broadcasts to outline policies on state agencies and public spending. These forums help residents prepare their ballots ahead of voting deadlines.
The general election takes place Nov. 3, 2026. Early voting in Conway and across the state starts Oct. 19 at 8 a.m.
