Powerball Winner Linked to Arkansas Mayor
The winner of the record-breaking $1.82 billion Powerball jackpot from Christmas Eve has been identified as Tracy Hartwick, the brother of North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick, who was under scrutiny for alleged assault earlier this year.
Tracy Hartwick, whose brother is nearing the end of his third term as mayor, secured the second-largest Powerball prize ever. He purchased a $30 Quick Play ticket for the December 24, 2025, drawing at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas.
By opting for the Power Play option, Hartwick played ten combinations but only needed his first set of numbers—4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and Powerball 19—to win.
When he collected his prize on January 5, he chose to remain anonymous, selecting the lump sum option of $834.9 million.
In total, Hartwick received 94% of the prize, amounting to about $565 million after about $219 million went to taxes.
According to Arkansas law, lottery winners who have connections to elected officials can only remain anonymous for six months. Hartwick’s situation is a bit different since he is the brother of a public figure.
Interestingly, another brother named Timothy received 3% of the remaining $18.1 million from the jackpot, while an unidentified individual took the rest.
This isn’t the first time Terry Hartwick has attracted attention. He was previously investigated for alleged inappropriate behavior involving two teenage girls following a Christmas choir performance, coinciding with the time Tracy won the lottery.
Authorities decided not to file charges against the 77-year-old mayor, citing a lack of evidence to support any criminal claims.
“For a sexual offense to be established, evidence must demonstrate that the contact was intended for the mayor’s sexual gratification,” stated Arkansas special prosecutor Robbie Jones earlier this year.
During his initial term, Terry Hartwick faced inquiries over accusations of accepting lavish gifts and vacations from contractors related to city projects. Reports also surfaced about an affair he had in 1986, which included questionable spending of city funds. Ultimately, he remarried the woman involved but they eventually divorced.
As for Tracy Hartwick’s astonishing lottery win, there has been no comment from the mayor’s office regarding the matter.
