Above: Kara Byars / Image submitted
Kara Byars announced her intent to run for Circuit Judge, Division 2 in the 16th Judicial District in the March 3, 2026 election. The 16th District covers Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, and Stone Counties. The current Circuit Judge, Don McSpadden, is not running for re-election.
“During my legal career I developed strong law firm management skills in addition to helping clients with a broad range of matters including domestic relations, civil litigation, personal injury, and criminal defense in both District and Circuit Courts. I also serve as Fulton County Attorney and attorney for the city of Salem where I work with law enforcement and city and county officials to ensure a fair and just legal process. I frequently represent children in the foster care system as a Dependency-Neglect Attorney Ad Litem. With my knowledge, temperament, and experience in the law combined with my management skills makes me a qualified candidate for Circuit Judge.”
Byars graduated from the University of Arkansas Little Rock Bowen School of Law with a Juris Doctor with Honors and was a member of Henry Woods Inn of Court. She received a BA in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas. She is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and previously served in the House of Delegates. She also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 10 years, is a member of Rotary, and has volunteered with the Food Pantry.
Byars is an Independence County native. She and her husband, Josh Hamby, live in Viola and are active in the local and professional rodeo circuit. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Cowboy Association, where she helped plan and implement a special needs rodeo event, the “Little Partners Rodeo,” for seventy-five children. She belongs to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and has served as a judge for the High School Rodeo Queen Competition.
Political announcement
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