Tom Cotton back on top with 16-point lead after shock poll suggested deep red Arkansas was flippable

Published August 18, 2026 4:45pm ET | Updated August 18, 2026 4:45pm ET



EXCLUSIVE — A new poll shows that Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) is not in danger of losing his seat in deep red Arkansas, despite a July survey suggesting that his Democratic rival was within striking distance of the political upset of the year.

First-time candidate Hallie Shoffner emerged from nowhere to trail Cotton by just 3 points in the poll by 2040 Strategy Group, a progressive campaign firm.

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