Askeland wins Jonesboro House seat after upsets

Residents of Jonesboro will have a new state representative starting next year. Democrat Erika Askeland defeated incumbent Jack Ladyman, R-Jonesboro, in the District 34 House race. With all votes counted, Askeland received 3,537 votes, or 51 percent. Ladyman, who was seeking a seventh term, received 3,435 votes, or 49 percent. The Arkansas Secretary of State's office recorded a final margin of 102 votes in Askeland's favor.

In the adjacent District 35, Democrat Audrey P. Willis won her race. She defeated Republican Robert Thorne Jr. with 4,218 votes, capturing 58 percent of the total. Thorne received 3,098 votes, or 42 percent. This result adds to the Democratic gains in the region on election night.

Republican incumbents held their seats in nearby districts. In District 34, GOP Rep. Joey Carr defeated Democrat Michael Middlebrook. Carr secured 2,948 votes, or 52 percent, compared to Middlebrook's 2,718 votes, or 48 percent. In District 36, incumbent Johnny Rye won reelection with 3,400 votes, or 59 percent. He beat Democrat Shamal Carter, who received 2,369 votes, or 41 percent.

Voters in Craighead County also decided to merge the county tax collector and treasurer positions. The measure passed with more than 60 percent support. The combined office will begin operations in 2031.

Jonesboro voters rejected a proposed sales tax increase. The 0.625-cent measure was intended to fund public safety projects. Approximately 59 percent of voters cast ballots against the increase, sending it back to the drawing board.