# Tom Cotton

> Tom Cotton has served as U.S. Senator from Arkansas since 2015. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as a U.S. Army officer, including service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

## Key facts

- Party: Republican
- Office sought: U.S. Senate
- Current office: U.S. Senator from Arkansas
- State: AR
- Race: Arkansas Senate 2026
- Incumbent status: challenger
- Residence: Dardanelle, AR
- Race rating: Safe Republican
- Campaign website: https://www.cotton.senate.gov

## Biography

Tom Cotton was born on May 13, 1977, in Dardanelle, Arkansas. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He served as a U.S. Army infantry officer, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Ranger tab and Airborne wings. He served in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2015. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 and re-elected in 2020.

## Background

- Education: B.A., Harvard University; J.D., Harvard Law School
- Professional background: U.S. Senator (2015–present); U.S. Representative (2013–2015); Attorney
- Public service: U.S. Representative (2013–2015); U.S. Senator from Arkansas (2015–present)
- Military service: U.S. Army infantry officer; served in Iraq and Afghanistan; Ranger qualified

## Opponents in this race

- [Tom Cotton](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/tom-cotton-arkansas-r-2026.md) — Republican
- [Hallie Shoffner](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/hallie-shoffner-ar-2026.md) — Democratic
- [Hallie Shoffner](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/hallie-shoffner-arkansas-d-2026.md) — Democrat

## Sources

- Senator Tom Cotton — Official Senate Website: https://www.cotton.senate.gov/
- Tom Cotton — Bioguide Congress.gov: https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C001095

Last updated: 2026-06-15T19:53:45.461Z

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Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/tom-cotton-ar-2026
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