On Wednesday, state representative Julie Mayberry (R-Hensley) declared on Facebook that she will not be seeking reelection in 2026. According to her post, Mayberry stated earlier this month that she had decided to run for a sixth term in the Arkansas House but has now changed her mind since something didn’t sit well with her.
It’s unfortunate. One of the more independent-minded Republicans in the state legislature in recent years, Mayberry has occasionally shown herself prepared to disagree with Gov. Sarah Sanders and the GOP leadership on both symbolic and substantive issues.
In September 2023, Mayberry was one of the most vocal members of the House Republicans who sided with Democrats and refused to support the governor’s proposal to repeal the state Freedom of Information Act.In the end, Sanders was compelled to make concessions. Though not nearly as awful as it could have been, the bill that was ultimately passed was nevertheless objectionable since it concealed the governor’s travel records and security detail spending from the public eye under the FOIA.
Following the Sanders affair, Mayberry pushed for greater openness in state purchase laws in 2024. She resisted a number of bills this spring, including one that reconstituted the State Library Board and another that targeted transgender people’s use of public restrooms.
Mayberry, a Republican who opposes abortion and isn’t afraid to flaunt her Christian beliefs, is by no means a liberal. On the majority of issues, she has voted with her party. At least she is unique, though. She is practically a trailblazer when compared to the governor-fealty that most lawmakers now exhibit.
Could her decision have been influenced by her status as an outsider? In 2022, Mayberry barely defeated a primary opponent, and in 2026, she faced another primary.Given the negative sentiment she has probably garnered in certain Republican circles, that race might have been an uphill battle.
In that case, Mayberry made no mention of it. She provided the following explanation on Facebook:
I have stated that it is inappropriate to ask me if I would like to return during or soon after any legislative session because it would be like asking a woman if she wants to have another child during childbirth. Most would initially say no, but after healing and introspection, they would realize the beauty and forget the discomfort. Your mind, body, and spirit are all negatively impacted by a legislative session. Recovery is possible and does occur after some time apart.
Following my friend’s advice, I repeatedly compared those headlines using my imagination. I chose to run for re-election in mid-July after feeling rejuvenated and inspired by the satisfaction I received from serving residents.
Something wasn’t quite right when the ruling was published in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on July 18. I never got the peace I was hoping for. I’m changing my mind and won’t be running for a sixth term.
For the first time in sixteen years, a Mayberry will not represent Sheridan in the House due to Julie Mayberry’s retirement. From 2011 to 2015, her husband, Andy Mayberry, served in the seat, which was then House District 27. He was replaced by Julie Mayberry, who held office for a single two-year term from 2016 to 2017. Andy Mayberry then took over from 2017 to 2019.
Since 2019, Julie Mayberry has served in the position, which is now House District 92 following the 2020 redistricting process.
It’s dragon-slaying time!
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