Join us for a timely look at the 2026 midterm elections with Dr. Jay Barth, Emeritus Professor of Politics at Hendrix College and Arkansas Times columnist, as he breaks down the races, trends and political forces shaping Arkansas and the nation.
With less than a month to go before Election Day, Barth will offer his perspective on where things stand in Arkansas politics - from key state legislative contests to the statewide races - and what the results could mean for the future of the state. He’ll also turn his attention to the national political landscape, examining the major races and dynamics that could determine the balance of power in Washington.
A longtime observer of Arkansas politics, Barth brings the context and analysis needed to look beyond the campaign noise and understand what’s actually happening, what to watch in the final weeks and what the 2026 elections may tell us about where Arkansas is headed.
Whether you closely follow every race or are just beginning to tune in before Election Day, this Lunch Lecture will help you get up to speed before voters head to the polls.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: Lunch served at 11:30 AM | Lecture begins at 12:00 PM
Location: Copper Grill, Downtown Little Rock
All proceeds from this event go to the Arkansas Times Independent Journalism Fund.
Tickets
Virtual ticket holders will receive a zoom meeting link and passcode prior to event.
Highlights
See all activity4Our monthly speaker series brings newsmakers, policymakers, and seasoned political observers together for a behind-the-scenes look at the most pressing issues facing Arkansas. These lunch lectures raise money for the Arkansas Times Independent Journalism Fund. 100% of the proceeds will support expanding our newsroom, ensuring our capacity to hold leaders accountable and keep Arkansans informed.
In-person tickets are $100 and include lunch in the private dining room at the Copper Grill. Seating is limited, so we highly recommend securing your seats sooner rather than later as this series is known to fill up quickly. Lunch is served at 11:30 with food provided by the amazing chefs at Copper Grill. Our guest speaker will begin at 12 pm promptly, followed by a Q&A session. If you're unable to attend in person, we have the option to attend virtually for $50 . If you have purchased a virtual ticket your Zoom access link will be sent to the email address provided at checkout the morning of the event. Ticket sales end 2 hours before lecture start time. With any ticket purchase, you are supporting Arkansas Times and our mission to stay your local and independent newsroom. We hope you continue to enjoy our lecture series and all our other events throughout the year.
Looking for more information about our Lecture Series? Having trouble with your purchase? Please contact us at:
support@arktimes.com | 501-375-2985
Dr. Jay Barth is M.E. and Ima Graves Peace Emeritus Professor of Politics at Hendrix College. An educator and civic leader in Arkansas, Dr. Barth taught for twenty-six years in the Department of Politics at Hendrix before pursuing other avenues of public service, including becoming the inaugural Chief Education Officer for the City of Little Rock and third director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. After leaving the Clinton Library, Barth founded Jay Barth Strategies, a consulting firm focused on social change work.
He has earned numerous awards and distinguishments in education and political science and has served on, and chaired, a wide range of boards focused on education, civil rights, and community development.
Dr. Barth attended Hendrix College, graduating in 1987 with bachelor's degree in American Studies. He received a master’s degree in 1989 and doctorate in 1994 in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He lives in Little Rock with his husband, Chuck Cliett.
Activity
Virtual ticket holders will receive a zoom meeting link and passcode prior to event.
