Arkansas — 3rd District

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Diana Lawrence of Van Buren asked Wednesday to withdraw from Arkansas' 3rd congressional district race in the 2026 elections.

Lawrence filed on Nov. 3 as a Democrat seeking the party's nomination in the 3rd congressional district, she said Wednesday in a letter to Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester, but "I am officially requesting to withdraw from said race."

Lawrence's departure from the race leaves Republican incumbent Steve Womack of Rogers and Democratic candidate Robb Ryerse of Springdale seeking the congressional seat in the 2026 election, according to the secretary of state's website.

Lawrence said Thursday in an interview that her withdrawal from the race is "more family related" because she is a grandmother.

"I thought Robb Ryerse would probably in the end be a better candidate," she added.

In 2018, Ryerse lost to Womack for the Republican nomination in Arkansas' 3rd congressional district. Lawrence noted that she previously made unsuccessful bids for a Wisconsin State Assembly seat on two occasions.

In addition, Dr. Zrano W. Bowles Jr. of Marion submitted a letter dated Wednesday to the Arkansas secretary of state's office to withdraw his name as a candidate for the House District 35 seat in the Legislature. Bowles filed as a Democratic candidate on Monday.

Bowles' departure from the race leaves Democratic candidates Joyce Ann Gray of West Memphis, Audrey Willis of West Memphis, Demetris Johnson Jr of Earle, Willie Williams of Marion, and Sherry Holliman of Marion, and Republican candidate Robert Thorne Jr. of Marion seeking the District 35 seat in the 2026 election, according to the secretary of state's website.

The House District 35 seat is currently held by state Rep. Jessie McGruder, D-West Memphis. McGruder has filed to run for the Senate District 9 seat currently held by term-limited state Sen. Reginald Murdock, D-Marianna. In the 2024 general election, McGruder beat Thorne to win the House seat.