States Arkansas U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate, Arkansas
November 3, 2026 · 14 statements · 2026.09.30-72258669
Candidates
Also on the ballot
Jeff Wadlin Libertarian Not researched: below our published threshold
We research every Democratic or Republican nominee, every incumbent, and anyone who raised at least $50,000 (per the FEC) or reached 5 percent in a public poll. Methodology
Statements and positions
Agree Disagree No clear position Select a position to see the evidence behind it.
Tom Cotton Republican, incumbent Hallie Shoffner Democratic
Federal statements
Economy No. 01/14
The federal minimum wage should be raised above $7.25 an hour.
Background The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. States and cities can set higher minimums, and many do.
American workers today compete against millions of illegal immigrants for too few jobs with wages that are too low—that's unfair... Raising the minimum wage will allow Americans filling those jobs to better support their families.
Campaign or official site · Sep 13, 2023 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
cotton.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
That means raising the minimum wage, expanding workforce training, cutting taxes for working families
Press quote · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
hallieshoffner.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Health care No. 02/14
Federal premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans should be expanded.
Background These subsidies lower the monthly cost of health plans bought on HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces. Expanding them would lower premiums for more buyers and increase federal spending.
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the enhancement of the health care premium tax credit. ... Cotton (R-AR), Nay
Vote record · Dec 11, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 03/14
Congress should fund more physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Background This would pay for additional fencing or wall along the southern border. It concerns construction funding, not other kinds of border enforcement.
the $8.1 billion the president is using to build the wall and secure the border ... 'wall' is practically a four-letter word, unless it's the walls that protect the rich
Campaign or official site · Mar 14, 2019 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
cotton.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 04/14
The federal government should expand oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters.
Background This concerns leases on land and offshore areas the federal government owns. It does not cover drilling on private or state land.
Expand access to federal energy resources and protect production by requiring quarterly lease sales during shortage periods, extending leases delayed by permitting or litigation, and limiting federal shut-in orders.
Campaign or official site · Sep 22, 2026 · retrieved Sep 30, 2026
cotton.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 05/14
The federal government should limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
Background This would set federal limits on the carbon pollution power plants release. It concerns regulation by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
President Obama's Clean Power Plan is bad news for Arkansans and our state economy.
Campaign or official site · Nov 17, 2015 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
cotton.senate.gov No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.70)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Economy No. 06/14
The U.S. should keep broad tariffs on imported goods.
Background Tariffs are taxes paid on imported goods. Since 2025 the U.S. has applied tariffs to imports from most countries, and this statement is about keeping them in place.
President Trump has been clear that the tariffs on Mexico and on Canada are to level the playing field because they put many tariffs on our products much higher than we have ever put on there.
Press quote · Mar 5, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
katv.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Right now, we have an economic policy on the national level that is blanket tariffs, and that generally means that it's a tax on the American people
Interview or debate · Aug 4, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
kait8.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.70)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Democracy and elections No. 07/14
Voters should have to show photo identification to vote in federal elections.
Background Voter ID rules are set by each state today and vary widely. This would set one photo ID requirement for federal elections nationwide.
Polls consistently show that more than 80 percent of voters support voter ID requirements.
Campaign or official site · Mar 18, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
cotton.senate.gov No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Public safety No. 08/14
A president should be able to send the National Guard into a state over its governor's objection.
Background Governors normally command their state's National Guard, but federal law lets a president take control of it in some situations. Since 2025, the use of that power to send troops into cities has been challenged in court.
The law is entirely clear. The National Guard, traditionally operating under governors' authorities, can be federalized and can be used by the president to restore basic order and to enforce federal law.
Press quote · Jun 10, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
foxnews.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 09/14
The U.S. should continue sending military aid to Ukraine.
Background The U.S. has provided weapons and military funding to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion. This would keep that support going.
We write to urge you to immediately send MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine.
Campaign or official site · Sep 16, 2023 · retrieved Sep 30, 2026
cotton.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.70)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 10/14
The U.S. should keep high tariffs on goods imported from China.
Background Tariffs on many Chinese imports were raised in 2018 and again in 2025. Keeping them high continues those import taxes; lowering them would reduce costs for U.S. importers and buyers.
Phase-in tariffs for Chinese products over five years, including 100% tariffs for goods determined to be important to national security.
Campaign or official site · Jan 23, 2025 · retrieved Sep 30, 2026
cotton.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.70)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Right now, we have an economic policy on the national level that is blanket tariffs, and that generally means that it's a tax on the American people.
Interview or debate · Aug 4, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
kait8.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.65)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Taxes No. 11/14
Earnings above the current Social Security tax cap should also be subject to the Social Security payroll tax.
Background The 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax applies only to wages up to a yearly cap, $184,500 in 2026. Applying it above the cap would raise more money for Social Security from higher earners.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
I will protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, lift the contribution cap on the ultra wealthy, reverse the cuts, and invest in a care economy
Press quote · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
hallieshoffner.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Health care No. 12/14
Medicare should be allowed to negotiate prices for more prescription drugs.
Background Since 2022, Medicare may negotiate the prices of a limited number of high-cost drugs each year. This would widen that power to more drugs.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Education No. 13/14
The federal government should help pay for child care for working families.
Background Federal child care help today comes mainly through block grants to states and tax credits, and reaches a small share of eligible families. This would expand federal funding so more working families pay less for child care.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Supporting mothers means affordable childcare, paid leave, quality healthcare, and safe communities where kids can grow and families can thrive.
Press quote · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
hallieshoffner.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 14/14
Undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for many years should have a way to gain legal status.
Background Millions of people have lived in the U.S. without legal status for a decade or more. This would create a process for them to apply for legal status instead of facing deportation.
His most recent proposal would amount to nothing less than DACA-For-All. It would grant full public benefits to millions of illegal aliens and grant five-year 'amnesty passes' for illegal border crossers.
Campaign or official site · Nov 1, 2021 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
cotton.senate.gov
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.65)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Tom Cotton's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Labor is a huge issue, especially when you don't have a large workforce. And every farmer will tell you, 'yeah, at one point we did, or still do, employ undocumented immigrants.'
Press quote · Sep 22, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
yahoo.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.50)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Hallie Shoffner's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked