Debra Hobbs

Debra Hobbs is an independent candidate for the Arkansas House of Representatives, District 45, in the November 3, 2026 general election, where she faces incumbent Republican Aaron Pilkington.[1][2] A former school counselor, teacher and small business owner, she served in the Arkansas House as a Republican from 2009 to 2015.[1]

Debra Hobbs earned a B.S. in science composite from the University of the Ozarks in 1977 and an M.S. in counseling education from the University of Arkansas in 1987.[1] Ballotpedia lists her professional experience as a school counselor and teacher and as a small business owner.[1]

Hobbs was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2008, running unopposed in the general election, and won re-election without opposition in 2010 and 2012.[1] Ballotpedia lists her as having represented District 94 from 2009 to 2015; her committee assignments in the 2013 session included Education, State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, Legislative Council and Joint Performance Review.[1] She ran in the 2014 Republican primary for lieutenant governor and finished third with 16 percent of the vote, behind Tim Griffin and Andy Mayberry.[1] In 2016 she ran in the Republican primary for House District 94, losing to incumbent Rebecca Petty, 57.7 percent to 42.3 percent.[1]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.