Fort Smith Voters Will Elect District 50 Representative
Local educators Zach Gramlich and Wendy Peer are vying to represent the southern half of Fort Smith in the state House.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Should local candidates prioritize affordability as the top issue in your community?
In November 2026, residents in Arkansas State Representative District 50 will choose between incumbent Zach Gramlich and challenger Wendy Peer to fill the legislative seat. Both candidates are current teachers within Fort Smith Public Schools.
Why it matters
The election will determine local representation in the 100-member Arkansas House, where future decisions on Medicaid population changes and regional affordability will be debated. Both candidates have identified economic affordability as a primary concern for the area.
The seat carries a base salary of $45,696 for a two-year term. District 50 encompasses the southern half of Fort Smith.
The players
Zach Gramlich
The incumbent Republican Arkansas State Representative for District 50 is a school teacher in Fort Smith and has held the seat since 2022.
Wendy Peer
The Democratic challenger for the District 50 seat is a school teacher who has served on the Personnel Policy Committee for eight years.
The details
Arkansas state representatives serve two-year terms and participate in legislative sessions to vote on state policy. The winner of this contest will be among the 100 total members who convene at the state capitol. Legislative duties for the incoming representative will begin on the second Monday of January 2027.
Timeline
2022: Zach Gramlich was first elected to the office.
August 5, 2026: Rep. Austin McCollum resigned from office.
November 2026: The election for District 50 will take place.
Second Monday of January 2027: Legislators will take office.
The Home Front
This election follows state protocols for filling a legislative vacancy mid-term. It marks a shift in District 50 representation following the resignation of the previous officeholder.
Fort Smith residents should prepare to vote in the November 2026 general election to determine local representation. Families may wish to monitor upcoming legislative agendas regarding Medicaid and affordability to see how potential policy changes could impact their household budgets.
The takeaway
The upcoming election offers voters a choice between two local educators who both emphasize affordability as a key issue for the community. Residents should ensure their voter registration is current ahead of the November 2026 election date.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic and administrative developments in the Secondary Education section.
Live Poll
Should local candidates prioritize affordability as the top issue in your community?
