The winner of the historic $1.82 billion Powerball jackpot from the Dec. 24, 2025, drawing has been identified as Tracy Hartwick, the younger brother of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Mayor Terry Hartwick. The revelation follows a six-month confidentiality period allowed under state law for relatives of public officials.
How the $1.82 Billion Powerball Prize Was Claimed
Tracy Hartwick purchased a $30 quick-play ticket with the Power Play option at a Murphy USA store in Cabot, Arkansas. His first line matched the winning numbers—4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and Powerball 19—securing the second-largest prize in Powerball history. He claimed the winnings on January 5, opting for a one-time cash payout of $834.9 million.
Under Arkansas Act 889 of 2021, lottery winners unrelated to elected officials may remain anonymous for up to three years. However, as the mayor’s sibling, Tracy Hartwick’s identity could only be withheld for six months. He retained 94% of the prize ($565 million) after federal and state taxes, while his brother Timothy received 3% of the remaining $18.1 million. A third, unidentified non-relative claimed the rest.
Mayor Terry Hartwick’s Controversies
Mayor Hartwick, 77, faced scrutiny in late 2025 after allegations of inappropriate contact with two teenage girls following a high school choir performance. Arkansas Special Prosecutor Robbie Jones determined in April that no evidence supported criminal charges, citing insufficient proof of sexual intent.
His political career includes prior investigations, such as accusations of accepting gifts from city contractors and an affair with a 16-years-younger University of Arkansas majorette in 1986. The mayor’s office declined to comment on his brother’s lottery win.
