Voters in Cleveland County’s District 6 will see a new Republican candidate on the ballot this fall following the death of longtime Justice of the Peace Owen Rushing late last year.
The Cleveland County Republican Committee announced Malinda Berry of the Calmer community will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot as the party’s nominee for the District 6 Justice of the Peace position.
Rushing had previously filed for reelection and was the only candidate from either political party to seek the office during the filing period before his death Dec. 26, 2025.
With Berry replacing Rushing as the Republican nominee and no Democratic candidate filing for the position, she is expected to run unopposed in the general election.
Arkansas law requires the governor to appoint a replacement when a county officeholder dies while serving in office. State law also requires anyone appointed to a Justice of the Peace position to live within the district they represent.
