Tom Cotton and Hallie Shoffner debate canceled in Little Rock
Incumbent Sen. Tom Cotton and Hallie Shoffner will not meet for a U.S. Senate debate in Little Rock. Voters will not see the candidates share a stage ahead of the upcoming election. Salem Media hosted the event, which was the only planned forum between both candidates.
Cotton did not participate in an earlier debate on Arkansas TV. Libertarian candidate Jeff Wadlin and Shoffner appeared together to discuss key issues during that broadcast. The three candidates are seeking election to the U.S. Senate seat.
A spokesperson for Cotton expressed disappointment about the cancellation. The campaign stated it offered multiple dates to the host network.
“We offered multiple dates to Salem and are disappointed Salem is no longer offering the debate, as Democrat Hallie Shoffner should have to answer for her comments about trading five Americans for one illegal immigrant, her donations to socialists like AOC, and her leading a transgender pride parade in Peru,” the statement read.
The Shoffner campaign released its own statement following the announcement. The campaign said Cotton never expected her team to accept the debate invitation.
“Tom Cotton is shaking in his boots. He never expected us to accept Salem Media’s invitation to debate. But since March, Hallie has said she’ll debate him anytime, anywhere, and she meant it. A senator who can’t defend his record in front of Arkansans is a senator Arkansas doesn’t need,” the statement read.
Her campaign also pointed to comments made during the televised broadcast in Little Rock. Shoffner said Cotton skipped that event because he felt too good or too scared.
Early voting begins across Arkansas on Oct. 19. Voters will choose between the three candidates on Nov. 3, 2026. Salem Media withdrew the debate offer after date negotiations.
Debates give voters an opportunity to hear opposing candidates explain policy stances. Broadcasts allow political campaigns to present arguments directly to the electorate. Stations often coordinate with campaign teams to establish agreed broadcast dates.
Cotton, Shoffner, and Wadlin remain on the general ballot for voters statewide. Little Rock residents will cast their ballots alongside voters across the entire state.
