Incumbent Sebastian County Circuit Judge Gunner Delay will face attorney Ashleigh Buckley in the Division 5 primary set for March 3, 2026. DeLay, who has been on the county bench since 2019, announced Wednesday (Sept. 16) his reelection bid.
The formal filing period for the 2026 primary election begins on Nov. 3, and ends Nov. 11.
According to his press release, DeLay has more than 37 years of legal, judicial, and legislative experience. He served eight years in the Arkansas Legislature as a Republican state Representative and state Senator, a two-year term as Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney. He also has served as a member of the Sebastian County Election Commission, and was appointed as a Fort Smith District Court Judge before taking the bench as a Circuit Judge in 2019.
“During my time as a legislator, I obtained the funding to start the first drug court program in Sebastian County,” DeLay said in a statement. “As a Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Judge, I have seen how that program has changed and impacted lives making our community safer and more productive.”
DeLay said he handles 30% of the civil cases, and 50% of the criminal cases filed in Sebastian County. According to the Administrative Office of the Courts show DeLay’s office exceeded the state average for timely disposition of civil and criminal cases.
DeLay is a member of the National Rifle Association and the Federalist Society. He has been married to his wife Robin for 40 years, and they have four children and four grandchildren.
“It has been my great pleasure to serve as Sebastian County Circuit Judge. I am blessed to go to work each day getting to do a job I love and enjoy so much,” said DeLay.
Buckley has 15 years of legal experience in civil, criminal, state, and federal courts, according to her statement.
“I’m running for Circuit Court Judge to serve the people of Sebastian County with fairness, diligence, and a fresh new perspective,” said Buckley. “Having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases, and worked as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, I understand the importance of a balanced perspective and impartial leadership on the bench.”
She began her career with Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, and would return to the Fort Smith area to work as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Sebastian County, where she focused on cases involving child abuse and domestic violence. She also worked as assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Arkansas, prosecuting cases under the Project Safe Childhood initiative and working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Child Abduction Response Team.
In 2017, Buckley joined her husband, William, at The Buckley Firm. In private practice, she has represented clients in civil matters including real estate, probate, construction, contracts, and personal injury. She also has experience defending individuals charged with federal financial crimes. In addition, Buckley has served as interim prosecuting attorney for the city of Fort Smith.
Her volunteer work includes serving as president of the Junior League of Fort Smith in 2018, and being a co-founder of Fort Kids Children’s Museum.
Ashleigh lives in Bonanza with her husband, William, and their two sons, Will (8) and Ben (3).
County circuit courts in Arkansas hear matters related to criminal, civil, probate, domestic relations, and juvenile law. According to the Arkansas Judiciary, judicial candidates for circuit judge run in nonpartisan elections and are required to have been licensed attorneys in the state for six years preceding the date of assuming office. Circuit judges serve a six-year term.