ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) - May 2026

At the Drinks & Dialogue event at Crisis Brewing on May 6, with the League of Women Voters of Washington County, the Honorable Judge Diane Warren spoke to about 25 League and community members about her experiences in running for elected office.

Judge Diane Warren shares her experiences with running for elected office.

Warren was re-elected in March as Circuit Judge for Arkansas’ 4th Judicial Circuit, Division 8, serving Washington and Madison counties. During her talk, she shared a list of her observations from her campaign experiences, including anecdotes and side notes. Below is a brief summary of that list:

1.     Quote attributed to Margaret Mead, the American cultural anthropologist and author: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

2.     Don’t assume that a candidate has numerous volunteers assisting them. Often, it’s just them with maybe their family doing the work.

3.     Connections are key. Warren served as an ad litem attorney for 10 years. An ad litem attorney represents those who can’t represent themselves, such as children. Warren also had a Jazzercise group that was a huge support network. “Even just having kids and all the community connections that come with it contribute to the work of campaigning.”

4.     Campaigning is hard work. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And, it’s expensive. Circuit judge candidates had to either pay an $8,000 filing fee or file a nominating petition with at least 2,000 signatures from qualified voters in their district. Not every space allows campaigning. Canvassing door to door is very rewarding and allows for a personal connection with voters. Warren says they knocked on 10,000 doors during the first campaign. Also, fundraising is hard; it has to be done by someone other than the candidate, and it’s not in everybody’s wheelhouse. Warren strongly discourages dipping into one’s personal retirement fund.

5.     People are wonderful. People are horrible.

6.     Campaigning is fun. Warren spoke about “The Posse” of lawyers/candidates who were helping each other campaign and what a great thing it was to have their support.

7.     Warren recalled the Winthrop Rockefeller presentation at Drinks & Dialogue earlier this year in which Janet Harris said we need space for community civic engagement. Warren recalled the last time she read the U.S. Constitution. She remembered reading about President Grover Cleveland’s views in the late 1800s about the importance of civic responsibilities, how people at that time weren’t engaging in civic life, and how important it is for democracy.

8.     Campaigning is humbling. “I’m amazed at the support and public trust that people have had in me.”

9.     Is it worth it? 100%. Especially if you win. “I love being a public servant.”

One of the attendees asked, “Why do we vote for judges?” Warren explained that the office on the state level used to be partisan. Other states have a judicial appointment system, in which those governors appoint judges from a pool of lawyers and judges. Warren said there are positives and negatives to both systems.

The other major takeaway from the evening, aside from all the great stories of community engagement, was that Warren’s husband, Ron, a retired university professor, is an amazing campaign asset and was a vital support human for her during this election.