Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr Announces Third Term Campaign

Political Momentum Builds as 501 Fest Celebrates Community

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. on Friday announced he is running for a third term , timing his campaign announcement to coincide with one of the city's biggest community celebrations. Scott, 42, was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022 , making him the city's first popularly elected African American mayor.

The announcement was made via social media on May 8, 2026, where he pointed out that crime rates are down and that things are just getting started in the capital city. "Little Rock, we've been doing the work. Crime is down. Jobs are growing. Neighborhoods are getting stronger." His timing wasn't coincidental—the weekend brought 501Fest 2026, held May 8-9th, 2026, in the Little Rock River Market District .

Community Celebration Showcases City's Growth

501Fest has returned to Little Rock for the sixth year, and this time the event will be held downtown. The organizer and co-founder, Dazzmin Murry, says they now have more space to include more food vendors, and entertainment . More than just a festival — 501Fest is a movement that celebrates the power of togetherness, highlighting the people, stories, and energy that drive Central Arkansas forward .

501FEST 2026, "a celebration of our community and the people who sustain it" marking 501 Day, which happened on May 1, features live entertainment, a Creators' Village marketplace of local vendors, interactive art installations, food trucks and "engaging activities designed for the entire family," 4-8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at 350 E. Second St. in Little Rock's River Market District . The festival represents exactly the kind of community-building Scott has championed during his tenure.

Political Landscape Takes Shape

"Over the past several years, we've been doing the work," Scott said in a statement included with a news release. "Together with residents, we've made our city safer. We've created jobs, invested in neighborhoods, expanded housing opportunities, improved infrastructure, and focused on the basics every community deserves. That progress happened because our city came together with a shared purpose and a belief that Little Rock's best days are still ahead."

He is expected to face Vice Mayor Brenda "B.J." Wyrick in the November election . Mayor Scott has pledged to be Little Rock's Chief Growth Officer, and has overseen the creation of more than 11,000 new jobs to date. Little Rock's population has grown to more than 203,000 residents as the Mayor pushes jobs growth and economic development, making Little Rock a catalyst for the new South .

Looking Ahead to November

Scott's campaign launch during 501Fest weekend sends a clear message about his strategy—emphasizing community unity and economic progress. 501 Fest co-founders Broderick Bozeman and Dazz Murry describe the event as a celebration of 501 Day, a chance to bring the community together with vendors, entertainment and activities for kids and families, with an emphasis on investing in youth .

The mayor's emphasis on job creation and public safety improvements will likely define his campaign messaging as he seeks to extend his tenure through 2030. With the festival drawing thousands of residents together in downtown Little Rock, Scott's announcement capitalizes on visible signs of the community engagement and economic development he's promoted throughout his time in office.