Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026
El Dorado Mayor & City Council Election 2026
3 of 8 council seats are on the ballot, with 10 candidates running. Updated Oct 5, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check
How to vote · 11 days left
Election day (Nov 3): the election office's noticeThese links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.
The candidates
Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.
Mayor
1 seatPaul ChoateIncumbentMayor of El Dorado, listed as mayor on the city's government page.3sourced
- Byron D. Miller Jr.Independent candidate for Mayor of El Dorado in the 2026 general election.1sourced
Andre RucksWard 3 city councilman and Southern Arkansas University business graduate. He is serving his third term on the El Dorado City Council.5sourced
City Council Ward 1 Position 2
1 seatCity Council Ward 2 Position 1
1 seatCity Council Ward 2 Position 2
1 seatVoters choose the mayor citywide and fill the council seats for Ward 1 Position 2, Ward 2 Position 1 and Ward 2 Position 2.
Also on your Nov 3 ballot
We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.
- Governor
- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders · Republican
- Colt Shelby · Libertarian
- State Senator Fred Love · Democratic
- U.S. Senate
- Hallie Shoffner · Democratic
- Senator Tom Cotton · Republican
- Jeff Wadlin · Libertarian
- Also statewideLieutenant Governor · Attorney General · Secretary of State · State Treasurer · Auditor of State · Commissioner of State Lands
- U.S. HouseDistrict 4
- State SenateDistrict 2
- House of RepresentativesDistrict 97
- Statewide measures4 on the ballot: the state's official explanations
Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.
Already on the council, not on the ballot
Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.
What the next council decides
01Wastewater rates and plants2 sourced facts
Where it standsThe council raised sewer rates 5% in 2024 and 5% again in 2025 to help pay for wastewater plant upgrades.
What's on the tableHow the city sets utility rates and pays for work on its wastewater treatment plants.
- The El Dorado City Council amended Ordinance 1881 in April 2024 to raise wastewater rates by 5% in 2024 and 5% on May 1, 2025. KTVE · May 6, 2024
- El Dorado Water Utilities was preparing a major overhaul of its two wastewater treatment plants. KTVE · May 6, 2024
02Streets and city services2 sourced facts
Where it standsBoth leading mayoral campaigns name infrastructure as a priority.
What's on the tableHow the city budgets for roads, streets and basic services.
- Andre Rucks's campaign plan lists infrastructure, including roads, clean streets and reliable services, as a priority. Andre Rucks for Mayor
- Paul Choate's campaign site says he promised to focus on infrastructure when he took office. Re-elect Paul Choate (campaign site)
03Public safety2 sourced facts
Where it standsPublic safety is named in both leading mayoral campaigns' materials.
What's on the tableHow the city supports public safety in its budget and programs.
- Andre Rucks's campaign plan lists public safety as a priority, built on communication, trust and prevention-focused efforts. Andre Rucks for Mayor
- Paul Choate's campaign site says he promised to focus on safety when he took office. Re-elect Paul Choate (campaign site)
04Economic growth2 sourced facts
Where it standsBoth leading mayoral campaigns say economic growth is a priority.
What's on the tableHow the city encourages business investment and growth.
- Andre Rucks's campaign plan lists support for local businesses, new investment and entrepreneurs. Andre Rucks for Mayor
- Paul Choate's campaign site says he promised to focus on economic growth when he took office. Re-elect Paul Choate (campaign site)
05Youth and quality of life2 sourced facts
Where it standsCampaign materials from both leading mayoral candidates mention community and quality-of-life priorities.
What's on the tableHow the city supports youth programs and quality of life.
- Andre Rucks's campaign plan lists mentorship, programs and safe spaces for young people. Andre Rucks for Mayor
- Paul Choate's campaign site says he promised to focus on quality of life when he took office. Re-elect Paul Choate (campaign site)
1 note on these statements
Andre Rucks holds the Ward 3 seat on the El Dorado City Council while running for mayor. Andre Rucks for Mayor
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Key dates
- Voter registration deadlineEl Dorado News-Times · Oct 5, 2026Oct 5, 2026
- Early voting beginsArkansas Secretary of StateOct 19, 2026
- Election dayArkansas Secretary of StateNov 3, 2026
The seat math
4 stay (not up this year): Dianne Hammond, David Hurst, Buddy McAdams, Willie McGhee3 on this ballot
8 council seats. The council decides by a 5-vote majority.
- The El Dorado City Council has eight members, two from each of four wards, in Positions 1 and 2. City of El Dorado
- The City Council holds its regular meetings in the City Council Chamber at City Hall. City of El Dorado
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