Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2024

2026 → ← 2022
Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: November 14, 2023
Primary: March 5, 2024 Primary runoff: April 2, 2024 General: November 5, 2024
How to vote
Poll times: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voting in Arkansas
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Safe Republican Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2024
See also
Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th Arkansas elections, 2024 U.S. Congress elections, 2024 U.S. Senate elections, 2024 U.S. House elections, 2024 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House racesArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House racesFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House racesOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House racesTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House racesVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House racesSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 3rd Congressional District of Arkansas, held elections in 2024. The general election was November 5, 2024. The primary was March 5, 2024, and a primary runoff was April 2, 2024. The filing deadline was November 14, 2023.

The outcome of this race affected the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 119th Congress. All 435 House districts were up for election.

At the time of the election, Republicans held a 220-212 majority with three vacancies. As a result of the election, Republicans retained control of the U.S. House, winning 220 seats to Democrats' 215. To read more about the 2024 U.S. House elections, click here.

In the 2022 election in this district, the Republican candidate won 63.7%-32.9%. Daily Kos calculated what the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have been following redistricting. Donald Trump (R) would have defeated Joe Biden (D) 60.2%-36.8%.

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

• Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)
• Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Incumbent Steve Womack defeated Caitlin Draper Mattelin and Bobby Wilson in the general election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Steve Womack (R)	63.8	192,101
		Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)	31.8	95,652
		Bobby Wilson (L)	4.4	13,331

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 301,084
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Caitlin Draper Mattelin advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Incumbent Steve Womack defeated Clint Penzo in the Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Steve Womack	53.9	35,768
		Clint Penzo	46.1	30,545

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 66,313
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Bobby Wilson advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on February 25, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bobby Wilson (L)	92.7	38
		Other/Write-in votes	7.3	3

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 41
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Steve Womack

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

• U.S. House Arkansas District 3 (Assumed office: 2011)
• Mayor of Rogers, Arkansas (1999-2010)
• Rogers, Arkansas, City Council (1983-1984, 1997-1998)

Biography:  Womack graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in 1979. Before entering elected office, Womack worked as a radio station manager and a consultant. Womack served in the Arkansas National Guard from 1979 until 2009, retiring with the rank of colonel.

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Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

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Womack said he was an experienced legislator who previously served as chairman of the House Budget Committee and, at the time of the election, was a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

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Womack said his priorities for the new term would include "fighting to combat this Administration's far-left agenda, supporting our nation's military, and serving the needs of my constituents." Womack added that he was committed to restoring conservative values.

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Womack emphasized his military background and focus on national security, referencing his service in the Arkansas National Guard and chairmanship of the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in his re-election announcement.

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Show sources

Sources: Steve Womack campaign website, "About Steve," accessed December 12, 2023, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, "State Sen. Clint Penzo to challenge Womack in Republican primary," November 14, 2023, Steve Womack campaign website, "Congressman Womack Seeks Eighth Term in Congress," September 13, 2023; Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "WOMACK, Steve," accessed December 12, 2023, Office of Representative Steve Womack, "Biography," accessed December 12, 2023

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 in 2024.

Caitlin Draper Mattelin

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Caitlin Draper lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas with her husband. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. She has served as a part-time adjunct lecturer at the University of Arkansas School of Social Work. Caitlin earned her bachelors and master's degrees in social work from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Caitlin’s clinical focus is Autism Spectrum Disorder and disordered eating, and has earned both Advanced Certified Autism Specialist as well as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist credentials. Caitlin is passionate about serving her community and co-founded Arkansans for Social Justice in 2022 with her two best friends. Caitlin played the alto saxophone in the Razorback Marching Band. Throughout work on her undergraduate degree, Caitlin worked in the Emergency Department on the night shift as an ER Tech II. She held the job throughout graduate school, working day shift instead. Caitlin also worked overnights at the Arkansas Crisis Center, Arkansas's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in college. Caitlin is a fierce advocate for people living with disabilities, and cites her experiences with her older sister who was born with Spina Bifida as the reason for her advocacy. She worked at Camp Barnabas, a Christian camp for people living with complex medical issues and/or disabilities, over several summers throughout high school and college."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Caitlin's background as a social worker makes her uniquely qualified to address constituents’ needs.

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Caitlin understands personally the need for access to reproductive freedoms from her personal story undergoing IVF.

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In congress, Caitlin hopes to tackle the rising cost of living in her district, resolve the housing crisis in NWA and the River Valley, and vote on legislation to relieve inflation.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 in 2024.

Bobby Wilson

Party: Libertarian Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Hello, my name is Bobby Wilson, and I am running for the United States Congress. Ten years ago, I packed up my life in Colorado and moved to Bentonville, Arkansas. Bentonville welcomed me with open arms, and from the moment I arrived, it felt like home. The people here in Arkansas embody the spirit of resilience and self-reliance. Whether it's a neighbor lending a hand or a community coming together in times of need, there's a real sense of togetherness. I've been proud to call this place my home for the past decade. My first corporate experience involved helping a company achieve ISO certification. This role was an eye-opener, teaching me the importance of well-defined processes and transparent documentation. After moving to Bentonville, I took on the role of managing a trim lumber yard. Running this business has given me firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of small business ownership. Every day, I see the impact of hard work and dedication on our operations. On a personal level, I am blessed to have been married to my wonderful wife for six years. Our marriage is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to supporting each other's dreams and aspirations. I am also an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), holding a brown belt. BJJ has taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, perseverance, and the importance of continuous self-improvement."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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As your representative, I promise to champion technological innovation and progress. I will advocate for policies that harness the power of AI and other emerging technologies to enhance government transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. By supporting secure, transparent voting systems using blockchain and promoting smart governance, we can streamline public services and boost public confidence. I am committed to ensuring that our technological advancements are balanced with robust privacy protections.

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As your representative, I am committed to championing localism. I believe that the best solutions come from within our communities. By empowering local governments and supporting community-driven initiatives, we can address our unique needs more effectively. I will advocate for policies that give more control to local authorities, ensuring that decisions reflect the values and priorities of our neighborhoods. Supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement will create a vibrant, resilient economy.

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As your representative, I will advocate for hard money policies that ensure economic stability and fairness. We want an economy that serves the consumers, not the money printers. By supporting a stable and sound monetary system, we can protect our savings from inflation and promote sustainable growth. Hard money fosters responsible fiscal policies, discourages excessive government spending, and strengthens our financial future. Together, we can build an economy that prioritizes the well-being of everyday citizens over short-term gains.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 in 2024.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Arkansas

Election information in Arkansas: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 7, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 7, 2024
• Online: N/A

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 1, 2024
• By mail: Received by Oct. 29, 2024
• Online: Oct. 29, 2024

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 21, 2024 to Nov. 4, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (CST)

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

Caitlin's background as a social worker makes her uniquely qualified to address constituents’ needs.

Caitlin understands personally the need for access to reproductive freedoms from her personal story undergoing IVF.

In congress, Caitlin hopes to tackle the rising cost of living in her district, resolve the housing crisis in NWA and the River Valley, and vote on legislation to relieve inflation.

Bobby Wilson (L)

As your representative, I promise to champion technological innovation and progress. I will advocate for policies that harness the power of AI and other emerging technologies to enhance government transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.

By supporting secure, transparent voting systems using blockchain and promoting smart governance, we can streamline public services and boost public confidence. I am committed to ensuring that our technological advancements are balanced with robust privacy protections.

As your representative, I am committed to championing localism. I believe that the best solutions come from within our communities. By empowering local governments and supporting community-driven initiatives, we can address our unique needs more effectively.

I will advocate for policies that give more control to local authorities, ensuring that decisions reflect the values and priorities of our neighborhoods. Supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement will create a vibrant, resilient economy.

As your representative, I will advocate for hard money policies that ensure economic stability and fairness. We want an economy that serves the consumers, not the money printers. By supporting a stable and sound monetary system, we can protect our savings from inflation and promote sustainable growth.

Hard money fosters responsible fiscal policies, discourages excessive government spending, and strengthens our financial future. Together, we can build an economy that prioritizes the well-being of everyday citizens over short-term gains.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

Caitlin is passionate about public health, reproductive rights, disability rights, ensuring personal freedoms, climate policy, and bipartisan work.

Bobby Wilson (L)

The reality of the situation that we can't fix our budget. The US has about 175 trillion dollars in unfunded liabilities and neither party is doing anything about it. The only way to survive is to allow life boats. We need to build new structures outside of our current governance. The deficit won't be an issue this election, but it should be.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Bobby Wilson (L)

I look up to individuals who are builders and innovators, like Brian Armstrong, Balaji Srinivasan, and Norm Macdonald. Brian Armstrong, as the co-founder of Coinbase, has revolutionized the way we think about and use digital currencies, promoting financial freedom and innovation. Balaji Srinivasan is a visionary in the tech world, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible with technology and advocating for decentralized systems. Norm Macdonald, though primarily known as a comedian, built a unique and influential career through his wit, integrity, and fearless honesty. These individuals exemplify the power of building and creating, and I aspire to follow their example by fostering innovation, embracing new ideas, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to integrity.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Bobby Wilson (L)

If you want to understand my political philosophy, I highly recommend the essay "I, Pencil" by Leonard E. Read. This classic piece beautifully illustrates the complexity of the free market and the power of individual liberty. It tells the story of a simple pencil, demonstrating how countless people, each pursuing their own interests and cooperating voluntarily, contribute to the creation of something as seemingly simple as a pencil. This essay captures the essence of my belief in the power of free markets, voluntary cooperation, and the incredible outcomes that arise when individuals are free to innovate and collaborate.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

Elected officials work for the people. Caitlin believes that members of congress should be empathic, accessible, good listeners, and able to compromise.

Bobby Wilson (L)

The most important characteristics and principles for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to public service. Integrity ensures that decisions are made with honesty and ethical consideration, fostering trust with constituents. Accountability means being responsible for one's actions, transparent in decision-making, and open to scrutiny, ensuring that the public is always informed and engaged. A genuine commitment to public service means prioritizing the needs and well-being of the community above personal or political gain, demonstrating a true dedication to making a positive impact.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Bobby Wilson (L)

I am good at management and I can read fast.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Bobby Wilson (L)

The core responsibilities for someone elected to Congress include serving as a conduit between constituents and the federal government, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. This involves actively listening to the concerns of the community and facilitating solutions where possible. Additionally, upholding the legislative process is crucial, which means crafting, debating, and voting on laws that reflect the best interests of the people while adhering to constitutional principles. Effective representation, transparency, and accountability are essential to fulfilling these responsibilities with integrity and dedication.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Bobby Wilson (L)

I'm comfortable not leaving a legacy. If people remember me as someone who is nice and made things marginally better, I'd be happy with that.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Bobby Wilson (L)

I remember Operation Desert Storm. I still think about singing all of those pro American songs in school. Looking back it's kind of weird.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

My first job was at the age of 12, working for my neighbor's birthday party business.

Bobby Wilson (L)

My first job was a dishwasher at a Mexican Restaurant when I was 15. I ate a lot of chimichangas.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bobby Wilson (L)

My favorite book is "The Machiavellians" by James Burnham. This book provides a deep dive into political theory and remains incredibly relevant today. Burnham's analysis of power structures and political dynamics offers valuable insights into how political systems function and the behaviors of those within them. It has profoundly influenced my understanding of politics, helping me navigate the complexities of political strategy and governance with a more informed and critical perspective.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Bobby Wilson (L)

Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. Unfortunately, I never looked good with long hair and a trench coat.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Bobby Wilson (L)

Mickey - Toni Basil - It makes me think of Wayne's World

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Bobby Wilson (L)

Sometimes I struggle with apathy. I know I am not a super genius or super athlete and I have basically reached the level of life I will reach. Eventually I convince myself, I'd rather help make the world a better place than coast in decline

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Bobby Wilson (L)

The U.S. House of Representatives possesses several unique qualities that distinguish it as an institution. One of its most significant powers is the "power of the purse," which gives it the authority to initiate revenue bills and control federal spending. This role is crucial for ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability within the government. Additionally, the House holds the exclusive ability to declare war, making it a vital component in decisions related to national security and military engagement. These powers, combined with its role in representing the diverse interests of the American people through its large and varied membership, make the House of Representatives a unique and essential institution in the U.S. government.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Bobby Wilson (L)

I believe that previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial, but it's often overrated. What we truly need are talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Attracting talent from various fields, such as business, science, education, and the arts, can enrich our legislative process and lead to more well-rounded and effective policymaking. By broadening the pool of candidates, we can ensure that our government is representative of the diverse experiences and expertise of the American people.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Bobby Wilson (L)

The deficit will be the biggest issue. The federal government will have to impose austerity, print money, and seize mores assets to pay for anything. It's going to be bad for a lot of people.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Bobby Wilson (L)

Yes, I believe that two years is the right term length for representatives. The House of Representatives is designed to be the most democratic office in the federal government, with its members being closest to the electorate. A two-year term ensures that representatives remain highly accountable to their constituents and responsive to their needs and concerns. This frequent election cycle keeps the House closely aligned with the will of the people, allowing for rapid adjustments to reflect the public's evolving priorities and sentiments.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

Caitlin supports term limits on congress members.

Bobby Wilson (L)

I'm not against them but I have doubts about whether they would do anything. It would be easier disperse the power.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Bobby Wilson (L)

Yes, I admire Justin Amash and his approach to representation. His transparency and dedication to explaining his voting decisions through detailed Twitter threads were incredibly helpful and insightful. By providing clear, thoughtful explanations, he helped constituents understand the reasoning behind his actions and fostered a greater sense of trust and accountability. I aim to model myself after his commitment to transparency, integrity, and clear communication with the public.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Bobby Wilson (L)

I have too many. I have several friends that joined the military and their bodies are broken. For what? I have family who suffer from pain, but the best medication is illegal, even though it's a plant. The federal government infects our lives in so many ways, it tough to narrow it down.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Bobby Wilson (L)

That's bait.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

Yes. Bipartisan work and compromise is essential to good representation and policy.

Bobby Wilson (L)

I believe that compromise is necessary and desirable for policymaking, but only if the other side is acting in good faith. When both parties are genuinely interested in finding common ground and working towards the best interests of the public, compromise can lead to effective and balanced policies. However, if one side is not acting in good faith, it may be more prudent to use principles from game theory to navigate the situation strategically. This approach ensures that we remain principled and avoid being taken advantage of while still striving for the best possible outcomes.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Bobby Wilson (L)

The Constitution states that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. However, Congress often passes laws in ways that skirt constitutional requirements, allowing for the passage of many spending bills that don't adhere to these principles. Given this reality, I will prioritize voting "no" on legislation that I believe to be unconstitutional or fiscally irresponsible. My goal is to uphold constitutional integrity and ensure that any spending bills are transparent, justified, and truly serve the best interests of the American people.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Bobby Wilson (L)

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers judiciously and avoid grandstanding. These powers are essential for ensuring accountability and transparency within the government. Investigations should be conducted with a clear focus on uncovering the truth and addressing legitimate concerns, rather than for political showmanship. By approaching investigations with diligence, fairness, and a commitment to justice, the House can maintain its integrity and effectively serve the public interest

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

LPAC, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in American, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Vote Common Good, Committee to Protect Health Care, Recommended by the Arkansas Education Association and the American Education Association.

What committees interest you?

Caitlin Draper Mattelin (D)

Caitlin finds the house committees on ethics, natural resources, science, space, and technology, as well as the house committee on agriculture interesting.

Bobby Wilson (L)

Probably commerce, but since you have to pay for committee positions it won't happen.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Bobby Wilson (L)

I strongly support financial transparency and government accountability. It's crucial for citizens to have a clear understanding of how their tax dollars are being spent and how government decisions impact our nation. I advocate for the creation of a government dashboard that would provide accessible, real-time information on key metrics. This would help everyone see if the country is on the right track. Currently, government operations are too opaque and confusing for the average person. By making information more transparent and straightforward, we can foster greater trust and engagement between the government and the public.

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Steve Womack	Republican Party	$2,474,938	$2,703,359	$1,715,894	As of December 31, 2024
Caitlin Draper Mattelin	Democratic Party	$258,728	$257,970	$758	As of November 25, 2024
Clint Penzo	Republican Party	$123,159	$116,706	$6,453	As of December 31, 2024
Bobby Wilson	Libertarian Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2024. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2024
Race tracker	Race ratings
	November 5, 2024	October 29, 2024	October 22, 2024	October 15, 2024
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Arkansas in the 2024 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Arkansas, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2024
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Arkansas	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	N/A	Fixed by party	11/14/2023	Source
Arkansas	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	3% of qualified voters in the district, or 2,000, whichever is less	N/A	11/14/2023	Source

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2024 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below was the map in use at the time of the election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2024

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in Arkansas.

Arkansas U.S. House competitiveness, 2014-2024
Office	Districts/ offices	Seats	Open seats	Candidates	Possible primaries	Contested Democratic primaries	Contested Republican primaries	% of contested primaries	Incumbents in contested primaries	% of incumbents in contested primaries
2024	4	4	0	9	8	0	1	12.5%	1	25.0%
2022	4	4	0	12	8	0	3	37.5%	3	75.0%
2020	4	4	0	7	8	0	0	0.0%	0	0.0%
2018	4	4	0	13	8	1	2	37.5%	2	50.0%
2016	4	4	0	6	8	0	1	12.5%	1	25.0%
2014	4	4	2	10	8	0	2	25.0%	0	0.0%

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in Arkansas in 2024. Information below was calculated on 1/22/2024, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Nine candidates filed to run for Arkansas' four U.S. House districts—four Democrats and five Republicans. That's 2.25 candidates per district, fewer than the three candidates per district in 2022, but more than the 1.75 candidates in 2020. In 2018, 3.25 candidates ran per district, the most this decade.

Incumbents filed to run in every district. The last year there was an open seat in Arkansas was 2014, when two incumbents didn’t run.

The Republican primary in the 3rd district was 2024's only contested primary. Three primaries—all Republican—were contested in 2022, tying 2018 as the most this decade. No primaries were contested in 2020.

Rep. Steve Womack (R), the incumbent in the 3rd district, was the only incumbent facing a primary challenger this cycle.

Democratic and Republican candidates ran in all four districts, meaning no districts were guaranteed to either party.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2024 elections, based on results from the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+15. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 15 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Arkansas' 3rd the 83rd most Republican district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2020 presidential election would have been in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by Daily Kos.

2020 presidential results in Arkansas' 3rd based on 2024 district lines
Joe Biden	Donald Trump
36.8%	60.2%

Inside Elections Baselines

See also: Inside Elections

Inside Elections' Baseline is a figure that analyzes all federal and statewide election results from the district over the past four election cycles. The results are combined in an index estimating the strength of a typical Democratic or Republican candidate in the congressional district. The table below displays the Baseline data for this district.

Inside Elections Baseline for 2024
Democratic Baseline	Republican Baseline	Difference
34.4	62.6	R+28.2

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Arkansas, 2020

Arkansas presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 20 Democratic wins
• 10 Republican wins
• 1 other win

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020
Winning Party	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	AI	R	D	R	R	R	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R

See also: Party control of Arkansas state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Arkansas' congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Arkansas
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	0	0	0
Republican	2	4	6
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	0	0
Total	2	4	6

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Arkansas' top four state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in Arkansas, May 2024
Office	Officeholder
Governor	Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Lieutenant Governor	Leslie Rutledge
Secretary of State	John Thurston
Attorney General	Tim Griffin

State legislature

Arkansas State Senate

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	6
	Republican Party	29
	Independent	0
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		35

Arkansas House of Representatives

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	18
	Republican Party	82
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		100

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

Arkansas Party Control: 1992-2024
Eleven years of Democratic trifectas  •  Ten years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Governor	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
Senate	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
House	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2018.

2022

See also: Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Incumbent Steve Womack defeated Lauren Mallett-Hays and Michael Kalagias in the general election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Steve Womack (R)	63.7	142,401
		Lauren Mallett-Hays (D)	32.9	73,541
		Michael Kalagias (L)	3.4	7,646

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 223,588
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Lauren Mallett-Hays advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Incumbent Steve Womack defeated Neil Kumar in the Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on May 24, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Steve Womack	78.7	60,814
		Neil Kumar	21.3	16,414

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 77,228
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Michael Kalagias advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on February 20, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Michael Kalagias (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

See also: Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Incumbent Steve Womack defeated Celeste Williams and Michael Kalagias in the general election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Steve Womack (R)	64.3	214,960
		Celeste Williams (D)	31.8	106,325
		Michael Kalagias (L)	3.9	12,977

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 334,262
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Celeste Williams advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Steve Womack advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3.

2018

See also: Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Incumbent Steve Womack defeated Joshua Mahony and Michael Kalagias in the general election for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Steve Womack (R)	64.7	148,717
		Joshua Mahony (D)	32.6	74,952
		Michael Kalagias (L)	2.6	5,899
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	140

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 229,708 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Josh Moody (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Joshua Mahony advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on May 22, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Joshua Mahony

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3

Incumbent Steve Womack defeated Robb Ryerse in the Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 3 on May 22, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Steve Womack	84.2	47,757
		Robb Ryerse	15.8	8,988

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 56,745
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

See also

Arkansas	2024 primaries	2024 U.S. Congress elections
Arkansas congressional delegation Voting in Arkansas Arkansas elections: 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Arkansas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Boozman (R)

Tom Cotton (R)

Representatives

District 1

Rick Crawford (R)

District 2

French Hill (R)

District 3

Steve Womack (R)

District 4

Bruce Westerman (R)

Republican Party (6)

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