Cotton’s absence takes center stage at debate between Arkansas’ US Senate candidates

By: Ainsley Platt

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: October 12, 2026

Words: 643

Last Updated: 4 days, 19 hours ago

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Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton was not in the room as his Democratic and Libertarian challengers debated Monday, but criticism of the Arkansas lawmaker’s record and his absence from the debate took center stage.

Cotton, who is seeking his third term in the Senate, didn’t participate in the Arkansas TV debate with Democrat Hallie Shoffner and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin. Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, instead attended a birthday party for World …

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