Sep 1, 2026 - Politics

McCollum faces three felony charges

Alex Golden

Illustration of crime scene tape reading CRIME SCENE and DO NOT CROSS over a dark background. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

Prosecutors have formally charged former state Rep. and current Benton County Judge candidate Austin McCollum with three felonies a month after he was accused of domestic violence against his wife and arrested, according to court documents.

Why it matters: McCollum, who won the Republican nomination for county judge in March, remains the only candidate on the ballot. If he takes office in January and is later convicted of a felony, he will be removed from office per state law.

The latest: McCollum was originally arrested on suspicion of two felonies — aggravated assault on a family or household member and first-degree false imprisonment — plus misdemeanor third-degree domestic battering. Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Sexton on Monday changed the domestic battering charge to a second-degree felony.

What's next: His arraignment is set for Sept. 8.

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McCollum faces three felony charges

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