FORT SMITH, Ark.- A Republican former state representative has won a special election to take over the remaining term of an Arkansas state senator who resigned after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering.
Former state Rep. Frank Glidewell will complete the term left vacant when Sen. Jake Files stepped down earlier this year. The term expires at the end of the year and a general election is set for November for the seat, which represents the Fort Smith area.
In a special election Tuesday, Glidewell defeated attorney William Whitfield Hyman.
Files pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors say he obtained a loan under false pretenses and fraudulently obtained state grants. He began serving his 18-month term in federal prison earlier this month.