2 races, including crowded chief justice campaign, could push Arkansas court further to the right

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Two races for the Arkansas Supreme Court, including a crowded chief justice campaign, could push a court that’s been targeted by outside conservative groups even further to the right.

The nonpartisan elections on Tuesday for chief justice and another seat could have major implications on cases before the court or likely to go before it over the next year, including abortion rights and an ongoing fight over control of the state’s prison system.

Three of the court’s sitting justices — Karen Baker, Barbara Webb and Rhonda Wood — are running against former state Rep. Jay Martin for chief justice. The four are running to succeed current Chief Justice Dan Kemp, who is not seeking reelection. If none of the four win a majority of votes, the top two advance to a runoff in the November election.

Justice Courtney Hudson is running against Circuit Judge Carlton Jones for the seat currently held by Cody Hiland, who Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed. Hiland, a former federal prosecutor and state GOP chairman, was appointed to the court following Justice Robin Wynne’s death.

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