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Northwest Arkansas State Representative Resigns Following Domestic Battery Arrest
The resignation creates a vacancy in House District 8 as McCollum remains the Republican nominee for Benton County judge and faces a Sept. 8 arraignment.
- On Wednesday, Arkansas State Rep. Austin McCollum resigned his seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives, four days after his arrest on domestic violence charges involving his wife.
- Authorities arrested McCollum, 35, on Saturday on suspicion of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and domestic battery; District Judge Chris Griffin set his bond at $10,000 and ordered a 1,500-foot separation from his wife.
- House Speaker Brian Evans threatened to convene the chamber to expel McCollum, while Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called for resignation, citing "credible, sickening allegations" of abuse.
- His departure triggers a special election process for District Eight, though Speaker Evans noted no legislative sessions are scheduled before the current term concludes in January.
- Although out of the House, McCollum remains the sole Republican nominee for Benton County judge, facing a 14-day window to vacate the nomination by moving or illness to allow a replacement.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 33%
C 42%
R 25%
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