The individual who claimed the $1.82 billion Powerball jackpot from the Christmas Eve drawing has been identified as Tracy Hartwick, the younger brother of North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick. This marks the second-largest Powerball prize in history.
Tracy Hartwick purchased a $30 quick-play ticket for the Dec. 24, 2025, drawing at a Murphy USA store in Cabot, Arkansas. He utilized the Power Play option and matched the winning numbers: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the Powerball 19.
Hartwick, who remained anonymous when he claimed the prize on January 5, chose the one-time cash option of $834.9 million. After taxes, he received approximately $565 million. His brother Timothy received 3 percent of the remaining $18.1 million, with an unidentified non-relative receiving the rest.
According to Arkansas Act 889 of 2021, Tracy Hartwick's identity could only be kept confidential for six months because he is related to an elected official. In Arkansas, lottery winners not connected to public office holders can remain anonymous for up to three years.
Mayor Terry Hartwick, currently serving his third term, was previously investigated for assault earlier this year. The investigation involved accusations of inappropriate touching of two teenage girls, but no charges were filed after investigators found insufficient evidence.
During his first mayoral term in the late 1980s, Mayor Hartwick was investigated for accepting free vacations and payments from city contractors. He also had a publicized affair with a 16-year-old majorette while married, making extensive city-funded phone calls to her. He later divorced his wife, married the woman, and subsequently divorced her as well.
The mayor's office has not commented on his brother's lottery win.