Arkansas anonymity differs for elected officials and relatives

By Kate Northrop

The lottery winner of the second-largest Powerball jackpot in history has been revealed as the younger brother of an Arkansas mayor.

Six months ago, the sole winner of the $1.8 billion Powerball lottery jackpot came forward to collect their prize. After a period of anonymity, their identity has been revealed.

Arkansas Lottery records, obtained by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, state that the winner's name is Tracy Hartwick. Tracy's older brother is Terry Hartwick, who is currently serving his third term as North Little Rock mayor.

While Arkansas law means most lottery winners of $500,000 and more can remain anonymous for a period of three years after claiming their prize, there is an exception for elected officials and their close relatives, who are only entitled to six months of anonymity.

Tracy purchased $30 worth of Powerball plays for the Dec. 24, 2025 drawing at the Murphy USA gas station at 208 South Rockwood Drive in Cabot but only needed one of his Quick Picks to match all six winning numbers to emerge the nation's only winner: 4, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with red Powerball number 19.

Records show that, after choosing to receive the prize as an $834.9 million cash option, Tracy split the prize with two other people. While he took home 94% of the winnings (about $565.8 million after taxes) on Jan. 20, he allocated 3% to his other brother, Timothy Hartwick, and 3% to another, unidentified non-relative, who is likely protected by state anonymity laws as someone unrelated to an official.

Timothy's share added up to about $18 million after taxes.

Terry has served in a public capacity since 1985, when he was first elected mayor of North Little Rock. He went on to act as CEO of the city's chamber of commerce and then worked for the parks and recreation department.

He was reelected as mayor in 2020 and ran unopposed in 2024, leading to his current third term in office.

The mayor was previously involved in an investigation surrounding accusations of assault. However, the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

The next Powerball annuity jackpot estimate for the drawing on Wednesday, July 22 currently stands at $567 million.

Powerball is currently offered for sale in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets cost $2 each.

Powerball lottery results are published within minutes of the drawing at USA Mega (www.usamega.com).  The USA Mega Web site provides lottery players in-depth information about the United States's two biggest multi-state lottery games, Mega Millions and Powerball.