Would-be state representatives in part of the River Valley can begin filing today at noon to run in the upcoming special election to replace Rep. Stan Berry (R-Dover), who died on March 23. 

The filing period runs through noon on April 20, and the special election to fill the seat is scheduled for August 4. Special primary elections, if necessary, will take place on June 2 and, if a special primary runoff is needed, that will occur on June 30.

So far, two candidates have announced their intention to run. Brent Boland, a farmer and rancher from Hector, said on Friday he was getting into the race. He says he is a lifelong resident of the district, and he will run as a Republican.

Yesterday, Nikki Phillips, a salon owner from Russellville, announced her candidacy as well. Russellville is not within House District 44, though Phillips says she’s lived in the district for 12 years. She will also run as a Republican.

House District 44 includes portions of Pope and Van Buren Counties in north central Arkansas and includes the towns of Dover, Pottsville and Adkins. Berry represented the district from 2003 through 2007, then again from 2019 until his death in March.

Matt Campbell is a reporter and a real swell guy. You can reach him at matt@arktimes.com
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