If long-absent City Director Ken Richardson decides to run for reelection, he’s not getting back into office unopposed. 

Educator Tashan “Shan” O’Neal, who says she has “spent more than 20 years advocating for the residents of Ward 2,” has announced her candidacy for the seat, according to a press release from her campaign.

Ward 2 covers much of the southwestern part of Little Rock, east of University Avenue and Chicot Road, stretching as far northwest as the intersection of University and Asher and brushing against Interstate 530 at the district’s northeast corner. It includes most of the Interstate 30 corridor within city limits.

Richardson has represented Ward 2 since 2007, but he has come under fire for missing more than two straight years of board meetings and votes. It is unclear at this point whether Richardson even plans to run for reelection in 2026, but O’Neal is moving ahead with her candidacy regardless of what Richardson chooses to do.

O’Neal describes herself as “a wife of 27 years, mother, educator, and community advocate.” She says she is a graduate of Little Rock Central High School, Pulaski Technical College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and that she teaches at a local charter school. According to this Facebook post, she is the founder of “Lessons and Blessings microschool” and is a substitute teacher at local public charter schools.

“My vision for Ward 2 is built on what I call the 6E Plan: Equity, Education, Equality, Empowerment, Enforcement, and Economic Development,” O’Neal said. “Together, we can build safer neighborhoods, create greater opportunities, and ensure that every resident has a voice at the table when decisions are made in shaping the future of our community.”

O’Neal is the only candidate so far to announce for the Ward 2 seat. Candidates for Little Rock city offices must file the requisite paperwork to run for office by August 5.