Hill leads Jones in tight 2nd District race

French Hill maintains a narrow lead in Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District as early results show the race remains too close to call.

With approximately 99% of the vote counted, Hill received 127,427 votes, or 50.9%, according to Associated Press data updated at 11:46 p.m. Tuesday. Democrat Chris Jones trailed with 123,025 votes, or 49.1%. The difference between the two candidates stands at 4,402 votes.

Campaign manager Kimberly Eddings addressed Jones’ supporters at a watch party shortly before midnight. She stated that the team would not rush to declare an outcome. Eddings told the crowd, “We’re gonna take the time, if you all will allow us to do that,” adding that the campaign would ensure results were properly reviewed.

Hill, a Little Rock resident, is seeking a seventh term in office. He has served since 2014 and currently chairs the House Financial Services Committee. Jones, a Pine Bluff native, previously ran for governor and focused his campaign on economic affordability and health care. An August poll by Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College had shown Jones leading by four points, though the margin was within the error range.

The outcome of this contest drew attention as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections. Republicans held all five of Arkansas’ congressional seats before Tuesday’s vote. The 2nd District covers Little Rock and surrounding central counties. The race served as a key indicator of whether Democrats could gain ground in the state.

Other Arkansas incumbents won reelection with stronger Democratic challenges than in recent cycles. Sen. Tom Cotton secured a third term, defeating Hallie Shoffner and Jeff Wadlin with 54.2% of the vote. Reps. Rick Crawford, Steve Womack, and Bruce Westerman also won their respective districts. Crawford won his ninth term in the 1st District, while Womack and Westerman each won ninth and seventh terms respectively in the 3rd and 4th Districts.

Cotton, an Army veteran, said voters chose to defend conservative values. He serves as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. Shoffner, a Jackson County farmer, posted on Facebook after the election that she believes in Arkansas. The results confirm that all five of the state’s congressional seats remain in Republican hands.