2 candidates are tracked for Arkansas Senate District 9, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Kenny Phillips and Jessie McGruder. Candidate information follows official Phillips County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Kenny Phillips (Republican), Jessie McGruder (Democratic) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Arkansas Senate District 9. Jessie McGruder is the sitting member, per the General Assembly roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3, 2026 primary (March 31 runoff where needed), per the Secretary of State.
State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.
This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Jessie McGruder, is on the ballot.
Arkansas › Phillips County › Arkansas Senate District 9
Republican
Kenny Phillips owns TDC Automotive in West Memphis and is director of transportation for the Marion School District, per the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He is seeking the Senate District 9 seat held by term-limited Sen. Reginald Murdock. No campaign website was found as of September 15, 2026.
Democratic Incumbent
Jessie McGruder is a teacher and coach at Wonder Junior High School in the West Memphis School District and a former law enforcement officer, per the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. She is the sitting Arkansas House member for District 35, per arkleg.state.ar.us, and is seeking the Democratic nomination for Senate District 9. No campaign website was found as of September 15, 2026.
Who is running for Arkansas Senate District 9 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Arkansas Senate District 9, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Kenny Phillips and Jessie McGruder. Candidate information follows official Phillips County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Arkansas Senate District 9 election in Arkansas?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Arkansas are on the Arkansas election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Phillips County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Phillips County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Arkansas election office, or see the full Phillips County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
2 tracked races in Phillips County, Arkansas. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.