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Arkansas Voters Choose New Mayors in Tuesday’s Runoff Elections

Voters in two Arkansas cities decided their leadership in Tuesday’s runoff elections, while an incumbent secured another term. The races in Bull Shoals, Fayetteville, and Jonesboro were among several decided during the final round of elections in 2024.

In Bull Shoals, William “Bill” Stahlman Jr. emerged victorious, unseating Mayor Carol Duss with 283 votes, compared to Duss’ 250 votes. Duss had been appointed to the position earlier this year after the resignation of former Mayor Michael Savu. In Fayetteville, Molly Rawn narrowly defeated 16-year incumbent Lioneld Jordan, securing 5,411 votes to Jordan’s 5,169. Meanwhile, in Jonesboro, incumbent Harold Copenhaver won re-election by a wide margin, earning 5,264 votes over opponent LJ Bryant, who received 3,446 votes.

These elections were part of a broader set of municipal and county runoff elections held across 17 counties. Runoff elections occur in Arkansas when no candidate wins a majority in races with more than two candidates. Notably, these local elections do not involve state or federal offices, which are handled separately.

Bull Shoals: A New Direction with Stahlman

In Bull Shoals, the mayoral race was a rematch of sorts. William Stahlman Jr. had been pushing for change since Duss’ appointment earlier this year, following the unexpected resignation of former Mayor Michael Savu. Voters gave their backing to Stahlman by a slim margin of 33 votes.

arkansas runoff elections

Stahlman, a local businessman, ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and local development. His campaign focused on revitalizing the city’s economic landscape, particularly through investments in infrastructure and tourism.

His opponent, Duss, had served only a few months as mayor after being appointed in the wake of Savu’s resignation. Despite her short tenure, Duss worked on keeping the city’s day-to-day operations running smoothly. However, she struggled to gather enough support against Stahlman’s vision for change.

The final count left many in the city hopeful for a fresh start. “I’m excited about the possibilities ahead. We need to move forward,” said one voter, after casting their ballot for Stahlman.

Bull Shoals Election Results:

  • Bill Stahlman Jr.: 283 votes
  • Carol Duss: 250 votes

Fayetteville: Rawn Narrowly Wins

Fayetteville’s mayoral race was one of the most closely watched of the runoff elections. Incumbent Lioneld Jordan, who had served 16 years, faced a fierce challenge from political newcomer Molly Rawn.

Rawn, an advocate for progressive policies, focused her campaign on addressing housing affordability, improving public transportation, and expanding green spaces in the city. Jordan, on the other hand, touted his record of economic growth and city development over the past two decades.

The results came in late Tuesday evening, with Rawn emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 242 votes. Rawn’s supporters celebrated her win as a shift toward a new era of leadership.

Rawn’s victory is significant not just because she defeated a long-time incumbent, but also because it signals a shift in Fayetteville’s political landscape. Many saw her campaign as a response to the city’s growing challenges, particularly around housing and urban development.

Fayetteville Election Results:

  • Molly Rawn: 5,411 votes
  • Lioneld Jordan: 5,169 votes

Jonesboro: Incumbent Copenhaver Secures Another Term

Jonesboro voters showed strong support for their current mayor, Harold Copenhaver, who successfully secured a second term. Copenhaver, who first took office in 2020, was up against challenger LJ Bryant.

The race was expected to be a tough one, with Bryant, a local businessman, positioning himself as a challenger to Copenhaver’s leadership. However, Copenhaver’s experience in office and his track record in managing the city’s growth seemed to resonate with voters.

Copenhaver won decisively, earning 5,264 votes, a comfortable lead over Bryant, who received 3,446 votes. His victory highlights the strong backing he has in the community, with many voters citing his leadership during a time of significant growth and change in Jonesboro.

Jonesboro, like many Arkansas cities, has faced increasing demands for infrastructure improvements, housing development, and job creation. Copenhaver’s second term will likely focus on these areas, continuing his efforts to balance growth with community well-being.

Jonesboro Election Results:

  • Harold Copenhaver: 5,264 votes
  • LJ Bryant: 3,446 votes

The Tuesday runoff elections across Arkansas brought mixed results, with some cities embracing change and others opting for familiar leadership. As election results continue to be certified, local governments across the state will begin the work of shaping their communities’ future in 2025 and beyond.

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