Hallie Shoffner and Jeff Wadlin debate key issues in Conway

Hallie Shoffner and Jeff Wadlin met in Conway on the televised debate stage without incumbent Tom Cotton. Their public meeting gives voters a direct comparison ahead of the November election. Republican nominee Tom Cotton was absent from the broadcast.

The candidates discussed artificial intelligence, the national debt, agriculture, rural health care and the war in Iran. Shoffner, the Democratic nominee, called for smarter government spending.

“Do not tell seniors to expect a cut in Social Security when we are spending billions of dollars on a war that no one wanted,” Shoffner said.

Wadlin, the Libertarian nominee, emphasized the need to balance the federal budget. He warned against passing debt forward.

“We need to get these big programs under control, and we need to not heap this debt onto our children and grandchildren,” Wadlin said.

Both candidates support passing a farm bill. Shoffner wants to help farmers sell food locally. She also wants fresh Arkansas-grown products in public school cafeterias.

Wadlin said tariffs have closed export markets. The tariffs have hurt farmers, according to Wadlin.

The candidates addressed rural medical access from Conway. Shoffner called for investments to keep hospitals open. She said those funds would keep specialists available to families.

Wadlin proposed planning emergency services across the state. His plan would place everyone in Arkansas within 30 minutes of emergency care.

Both candidates said they would vote to end the war in Iran. Wadlin addressed congressional authority over military conflicts.

“Congress needs to exercise its Article I, Section 8 obligation to either approve the war or end it. And I would say that we should end it.”

Shoffner opposed continuing the military operation. She linked the conflict to economic costs at home.

“I don’t believe in endless wars, and I don’t believe in paying blank checks. Because of the loss of life and because it has skyrocketed gas and diesel prices.”

Televised debates allow political candidates to state their platform positions before an audience. Broadcasters host these events during general election campaigns to share candidate views. Voters evaluate the participants through these scheduled joint appearances.

Arkansas voters will elect a U.S. senator on Nov. 3, 2026. Early voting begins on Oct. 19, 2026. The race includes the candidates who appeared in Conway.