Northwest Arkansas voters may have a sense of déjà vu when they head to the polls in the coming weeks. Bentonville and Springdale residents will decide rematches in Arkansas House Districts 9, 10 and 11 where Democrats are focusing on voter education to improve their odds of victory this time around.
All three Republican incumbents did not respond to interview requests for this story.
Democrat Diana Gonzales Worthen said she felt confident about her chances during the 2022 election for Washington County’s District 9, the state’s only district with a majority of Hispanic voting-age residents. When votes were tallied, she lost to Republican DeAnna Hodges by 109 votes, the exact number of votes cast for Libertarian Steven Stilling.
Stilling is not participating in the 2024 race.
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The loss was “heart-wrenching,” but Gonzales Worthen said she wanted to know what happened. What she found was that the district is home to several new voters, so lots of education about the voting process is needed, she said. As a result, the longtime educator has engaged in voter education initiatives and launched campaign efforts earlier than in 2022.
After participating at a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Washington County at the Fayetteville Public Library on Oct. 8, Gonzales Worthen told the Advocate she’s running again because she feels she’s the best person to represent District 9.
“[The race] could have gone either way, and so I’m very happy that I decided to do it again because many of the people that had been identified supporters, being that the district is [a] majority Latino district, many of them were voting for the first time and didn’t know the process,” she said. “And so going back knocking doors, it’s been educating all of them to know exactly what they need to do because they didn’t know where to vote, how to vote. Some thought that they could vote online.”
In neighboring District 11, Democrat Rey Hernandez said he hadn’t planned on running again because he was getting older and wasn’t sure he had the stamina for another campaign. When Hernandez realized no one else had filed against the incumbent, he jumped in the race because he didn’t want it to go uncontested.
Following the Oct. 8 candidate forum, Hernandez told the Advocate he was optimistic in 2022 when he ultimately lost to Republican Rebecca Burkes by nearly 1,300 votes, and said he “wrongly assumed that people just automatically come out and vote.”
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“So it is [a] very different race for me,” Hernandez said. “I realize that people need to understand that there is a race going on and that that race can only be won with votes. It’s not won by reading your mail or looking on social media. You actually have to pick yourself up and go down to the polls.”
Arkansas historically has reported low voter participation rates, but Hernandez said he thinks the fact that it’s a presidential election year and a woman is running at the top of the ticket might help. Hernandez said it would be nice if he and Gonzales Worthen win their respective elections and could provide representation for Springdale’s Hispanic community at the state Capitol.
Residents of Springdale, where roughly 39% of the population is Hispanic, have never been represented by a Hispanic lawmaker in the Arkansas Legislature.
“That’s our hope, that we can get in there, create a Hispanic Caucus for once in the state of Arkansas and give our people, la raza, some representation as well as for all of our constituency — teachers, veterans, ranchers, everybody that we represent,” he said.
Hodges and Burkes did not participate in the Oct. 8 candidate forum.
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In Benton County, House District 10 also has a 2022 rematch on the ballot. Freshman Rep. Mindy McAlindon, a Centerton Republican, defeated Democrat Kate Schaffer by 1,460 votes.
Schaffer said she “didn’t know what to expect” two years ago as a first-time candidate with a non-incumbent opponent, and receiving 44% of the vote was “a pretty good showing” in her opinion. She decided to run again after paying close attention to the 2023 legislative session and being frustrated by the “lopsided” division of power due to Republicans’ supermajority, she said.
Her message that she hopes “to bring compassion and common sense” to the Legislature “seems to be resonating with people,” she said.
“I think there’s kind of a feeling that we need to bring some balance back to the statehouse, that it’s getting too extreme,” Schaffer said.
More than 60% of registered voters cast ballots in the District 10 race two years ago, and Schaffer’s campaign has responded by reaching out to newly registered voters this year, she said.
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House District 9
Rep. Deanna Hodges (Arkansas Secretary of State)
Hodges is the current representative of District 9, which includes east Springdale in Washington County. During her first term in office, the freshman legislator was the lead sponsor of a bill that amended the law concerning contracts for work performed on state aid roads.
She also co-sponsored bills that amended the state’s Freedom of Information Act, reduced the income tax and increased the homestead property tax credit.
Hodges told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette her constituents work hard and want to keep more of what they earn. The incumbent also told the newspaper she wants to explore what the state can do to help cities build needed infrastructure, and look at making public transportation safer by giving public transit systems more authority to remove disruptive passengers. Diana Gonzales Worthen (Arkansas Secretary of State)
This is Gonzales Worthen’s fourth time seeking a seat in the Arkansas General Assembly. She had unsuccessful bids for the House in 2006 and 2022, and the Arkansas Senate in 2012. Gonzales Worthen said her 2024 campaign is “all about strong schools, strong families and a strong Springdale.”
With 35 years of experience as an educator, Gonzales Worthen said her focus if elected would be on education-related issues, such as ensuring that teachers and support staff are well paid. Additionally, Worthen said she’s interested in looking at after-school and summer programs that would help working families and also provide an opportunity where students could work on literacy skills, which historically have been poor in Arkansas.
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“I’m a co-founder of two nonprofits where I worked with a lot of families and have helped to provide college opportunities there as well, and so in a nutshell, with my education background — education, health care, mental health care, those are all of the areas that I would really like to work towards,” she said.
House District 10
Northern Bentonville, northeastern Centerton and southern Bella Vista comprise District 10.
Schaffer, a Bentonville resident, has worked on previous Democratic legislative campaigns and said the area is “really forward-thinking… very dynamic and changing quickly.” Rep. Mindy McAlindon (Arkansas Secretary of State)
McAlindon told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that District 10 residents “are highly active entrepreneurs who don’t want constraints of government stopping them.” She supports reducing “regulations, red tape and taxes” to support small businesses, according to her campaign website.
She co-sponsored the two cuts to the state’s corporate and individual income tax rates that have been proposed since she took office, in September 2023 and in June of this year.
“Arkansans deserve to keep more of their own money,” McAlindon’s website states.
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Schaffer said tax cuts should be “targeted for average Arkansans” instead of adding to the state’s “upside-down tax system where low-income people pay the lion’s share.”
McAlindon was among the 80 GOP lawmakers who co-sponsored the LEARNS Act, a wide-ranging 2023 law that changed many aspects of education in Arkansas, including the creation of a new school voucher program. Her website mentions her support for allowing “parents to decide on what is best” for their children’s education. Kate Schaffer (Arkansas Secretary of State)
She introduced a “Parents Bill of Rights” late in the 2023 legislative session that would have allowed parents to review classroom materials and to remove their child temporarily from school if a class or school activity conflicts with the parents’ religious or moral beliefs. The bill passed the House but slowed to a halt after Senate Education Committee members expressed concerns that it would burden teachers.
McAlindon was also the lead sponsor of Act 511, which prohibits public schools and colleges from requiring employees to participate in implicit bias training.
Schaffer criticized McAlindon’s education policy stances, including her campaign fliers that say she favors “strong schools.”
“She fails to put the word ‘public’ in there, and I would argue that being a sponsor of the LEARNS Act is not being a strong advocate for public schools,” Schaffer said.
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By contrast, Schaffer supports “adequately funding schools, supporting teachers and preparing kids” in public education, according to her campaign website.
House District 11
Rep. Rebecca Burkes (Arkansas Secretary of State)
Burkes, who founded a residential and commercial real estate development, construction and brokerage company with her husband, represents District 11, which encompasses downtown Springdale and stretches northward into Benton County and eastward toward Beaver Lake.
During her first term in office, she was lead sponsor of a bill that revised child labor laws and eliminated the state requirement for children under the age of 16 to obtain permission from the Division of Labor in order to be employed.
According to her campaign website, Burkes said government will grow and become more invasive in people’s lives if left to its own devices, so the answer is less government. Rey Hernandez (Arkansas Secretary of State)
“Small business and entrepreneurship are the backbone and lifeblood of this region, and I will fight for lower taxes and against the red tape that limits and burdens these businesses,” Burkes said. “I am 100% pro-life and will fight to defend life of the unborn, protect your 2nd Amendment fundamental rights, and push back against invasive liberal ideology in our schools.”
Hernandez, a Marine Corps veteran, cattle rancher and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences community health worker, said he’s likewise interested in education, and has helped the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) raise more than $1 million statewide over the last 20 years to help Latino students pursue higher education.
If elected, Hernandez said he would work to create a living wage for Arkansans, noting that although the state’s minimum wage increased to $11 an hour in 2021, those who were making just above that were left behind because they didn’t receive an increase in pay.
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“We don’t want to keep our Arkansans at a minimum,” he said. “We want them all thriving so whenever there’s going to be a wage increase for the minimum wage, there will also be an equal wage increase for every hourly worker with companies that are over 500 employees.”
FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman.
Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped.
The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.”
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Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing.
“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.”
MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson
Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1.
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After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good.
Stetson players celebrate with right fielder Jayden Hylton (17) after he hit a home run during a game against Arkansas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect.
“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that.
“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.”
Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era.
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Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams.
Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third.
“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.”
Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start.
The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double.
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But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh.
Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively.
“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.”
Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday.
Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner.
“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said.
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Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks.
Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.
The Ozark Mountains, with their beautiful forested hills and winding rivers, create a charming setting for some of the region’s most darling small towns. Eureka Springs’ artsy, colorful downtown and historic Basin Park Hotel give it a whimsical atmosphere that feels unlike anywhere else in the Ozarks. Hermann, set along the Missouri River Valley, is home to historic wineries like Hermannhof Winery, which highlights the town’s long German winemaking heritage. And Mountain View, with its live folk music and traditional crafts at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, is another star destination.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Historic downtown of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Image credit Rachael Martin via Shutterstock
Eureka Springs, a charming gem in the Ozarks, warmly welcomes visitors with its whimsical charm. This vibrant Arkansas town is a hub of artistic expression and community spirit, nestled among breathtaking mountains. It’s easy to see why—packed with outdoor adventures and beautiful viewpoints along Lake Leatherwood City Park, this city offers a ‘eureka!’ moment at every turn! The historic Basin Park Hotel, loved since 1905, features a delightful mix of shops and galleries that showcase local artists. Plus, the stunning Thorncrown Chapel is a true masterpiece of architecture, reflecting Eureka Springs’ innovative spirit. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and creative energy, Eureka Springs invites everyone to discover its wonderful surprises and inspiring atmosphere.
Hermann, Missouri
A winery in Hermann, Missouri. Image credit: Ted Engler via Flickr.com.
Located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley, Hermann, Missouri, is a charming spot surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views that have welcomed visitors for centuries. This historic village, with its deep German roots, is lovingly nicknamed the “Napa Valley of the Midwest” thanks to its famous wineries and wine-making tradition dating all the way back to the 1800s. One lovely example among over 100 wineries is Hermannhof Winery, which has been honing its craft since 1852, offering welcoming tastings and guided tours that share the region’s rich winemaking story. The Deutschheim State Historic Site, home to two beautifully restored houses that showcase 19th-century life’s simplicity, offers even more glimpses into Hermann’s German heritage. Life in Hermann moves at a gentle pace, and the welcoming, old-world spirit of hospitality makes this quaint town a truly special place — a charming destination that continues to delight visitors to this small Ozark community.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Folk Music Capital of the World, Mountain View, Arkansas. Editorial credit: Travel Bug / Shutterstock.com
In Mountain View, the luxurious Ozark landscape surrounds a town that embraces its heritage warmly. The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns, a captivating natural wonder, invite explorers to discover its expansive underground chambers, which feature towering stalactites and stalagmites, delicate flowstones, and sparkling streams that shimmer in gentle light. As visitors wander through the caverns’ winding passages, they may encounter hidden pools, ancient formations, and even rare underground plants. Skilled artisans and folk musicians can be found crafting traditional goods and performing heritage music amidst the peaceful beauty of the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Tourists can also gain deeper insights into Mountain View’s history at the Stone County Courthouse, built in 1922, which serves as a center for community events and local government. Visitors to Mountain View will experience the pure beauty of the Ozarks within the spirit of a tight-knit community.
Branson, Missouri
The Branson Scenic Railway train in Branson, Missouri. Image credit Rosemarie Mosteller via Shutterstock
Where the Ozark Mountains meet the sky, a shimmering hidden gem named Branson, Missouri stands out as a treasured destination for those seeking an authentic American experience. Branson is home to several landmarks, quite literally the biggest being Table Rock Lake, a massive reservoir hailed as a beloved spot for aquatic adventures, its shining waters inviting all to revel in its loveliness. At Table Rock Lake, vacationers can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing. Another popular family attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City, a renowned theme park where large numbers of travelers are whisked away on a journey through Ozark-themed attractions, plenty of live entertainment, and artisanal demonstrations. For a glimpse into the past, The Titanic Museum stands as a poignant tribute, with its half-scale replica of the iconic ship offering an immersive encounter equal parts educational and captivating. A charming community full of activity amidst the breathtaking scenery and miles of trails and waterways, Branson is the perfect base camp for an unforgettable adventure.
Camden, Arkansas
Camden, Arkansas, the Historic Ouachita County Courthouse. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock
With the Ouachita Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enjoyment, Camden, Arkansas, and its surrounding area contains a lush ecosystem surrounded by a fascinating past evidenced by the many well-preserved homes and museums the town has on display. The White Oak Lake State Park, which includes many areas along the Ouachita Mountains, remains a haven for nature enthusiasts, inviting exploration of its diverse landscapes with plenty of opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Stepping into the historic McCollum-Chidester House, visitors enjoy the grandeur of an antiquated era, gaining insight into the lives of a prominent 19th-century family. A reminder of the South’s complex past, Fort Southerland Park displays interpretive exhibits and guided tours that bring the Civil War era to life. As a result, Camden offers an enriching adventure, a distinctive pristine ambiance shaped by the town’s welcoming nature and the enduring legacy of its storied past.
Hardy, Arkansas
A tree swing over a river in Hardy, Arkansas.
The Spring River flows through the town of Hardy, Arkansas, nourishing its creative spirit and infusing its surroundings with a sense of both serene reverence and excitement for adventure. This 57-mile-long river flows through the states of Arkansas and Missouri, with the South Fork of the Spring River making its way through the area. As the river winds its way through the green landscape, it invites those to discover its allure, from canoeing and kayaking to trout fishing and beyond. Hardy’s artistic heart beats strong on Main Street, where local crafts, antiques, and gifts reflect the city’s artistic community throughout its variety of boutique shops. Nearby, the Old Hardy Town Jail, dating back to the early 1900s, serves as a small but significant piece of its past, its weathered walls echoing stories long past. Adventurers can also explore the Hardy History Museum, browse the shelves at the quaint Library Park Bookstore, or take in a show at the historic Ritz Theater. A true treasure of the Ozarks, Hardy combines artistic flair, thriving beauty, and historic significance all waiting to be discovered.
Russellville, Arkansas
CaptioThe scenic Davies Bridge in Petit Jean State Park near Russellville, Arkansas.
The majestic Lake Dardanelle reservoir reigns supreme in Russellville, Arkansas, its waters teeming with glittering fish. Russellville’s blue skies are likewise speckled with birds, and the town offers endless exploration opportunities for nature lovers and travelers seeking a relaxing retreat. With the Arkansas River winding its way gently through the landscape, it sets the stage for a charming district that seamlessly blends lasting legacy with reverence for the elegant nature that abounds in this beloved region. Downtown Russellville pulsates with warm energy, its local shops, mouthwatering restaurants, and historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot—now a thriving community center—showcasing the town’s renowned hospitality. The Old Post Road Recreation Area stands as a poignant reminder of the area’s significant past, its roots in the Trail of Tears route inviting contemplation, reflection, and respect for the lives lost during this tragic event. In Russellville, visitors discover a home away from home, where a welcoming spirit is always abundant.
The Ozarks leave a lasting impression, with their warmth and heritage lingering long after you leave. Eureka Springs, famous for its historic Basin Park Hotel, and Hermann, known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions, showcase this region’s respect for its natural and historical legacy while embracing the future. Like a skilled storyteller, each place weaves a story that strikes a chord—filled with scenic beauty, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit. The region’s timeless charm is enhanced by the unique character of each small town—a mix of history and modern life that makes these destinations both familiar and pleasantly surprising.
John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.
He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.
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In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.
He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.
Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
