jasdooit

• Subscribe to our US Editor’s Choice newsletter to receive the top exclusive articles
• READ: Conflict between Bitter Madonna and Justin Bieber emerges during the World Cup halftime performance

The individual who won the historic $2 billion Powerball prize has been recognized as the sibling of aArkansasa mayor who recently gained attention following allegations of improper conduct during a high school choir performance.

Tracy Hartwick was identified as the recipient of a $1.8 billion jackpot prize, which was won by a ticket purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, bought onChristmasLast year’s eve, according to Arkansas lottery records.

Tracy’s fortunate ticket created history as the second-highest victory in Powerball’s record, coming afterCalifornia’s Edwin Castro’s huge $2.040 billion victory in 2022. 

Tracy’s sibling is Terry Hartwick, the mayor of North Little Rock, who led the city from 1985 to 1988 and later returned to office in 2020.

Terry ran without opposition and won re-election in 2024. Nevertheless, controversy arose during his second term when he was alleged to have engaged in inappropriate conduct at a local concert and granted a contract to his brother’s unlicensed heating and air conditioning business.

Special Prosecutor Robbie Jones examined the choir concert incident and chose not to bring charges against the mayor.

His sibling is currently receiving media attention due to a historic Powerball victory. Tracy chose to receive the amount as a single payment and left with $834.9 million, as reported by the Arkansas Lottery.

Tracy chose to stay hidden, and the Arkansas Lottery did not disclose his name upon announcing the victory.

In Arkansas, lottery winners can keep their names private for the first three years following their win. Nevertheless, public officials and close relatives are required to disclose their identities within six months.

Lottery records indicate that Tracy chose to divide his prize money with his other brother, Timothy, and another anonymous person.

Tracy withdrew $565 million in January and gave up $219 million in taxes, whereas Timothy received $6.9 million.

Tracy and his wife Shari are said to be already enjoying a luxurious lifestyle, having bought two new properties for $2.1 million and $1 million since their life-altering win, theArkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. 

The couple’s identities have remained unknown since the ticket was collected. Arkansas House Speaker Brian Evans stated that theArkansas Advocatein December, the town of Cabot was unable to cease discussing the victors.

“If I enter a local grocery store, or any place in town, someone inquires about it,” he said.

Tracy is the owner of Hartwick Heat and Air. The company’s website remains operational and seems to be accepting inquiries.

Tracy and Terry faced criticism earlier this year after the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette revealed that the HVAC firm received more than $81,000 from the city for work at the Parks and Recreation Department, which Terry previously managed before becoming mayor.

When asked about the contract, Terry said to the publication, “I believe it’s legal, and even though we share a last name or he has mine, he should be permitted to conduct business with the city if he’s an approved vendor. That’s all.”

A comparable claim arose during Terry’s time in charge in the 1990s when he gave a contract to Timothy’s pressure washing company.

In December, the mayor faced allegations of ‘tickling’ two teenage girls during a choir event at North Little Rock High School.

The claims emerged after Terry was seen with the students following a Christmas performance in December, 2025.

A student stated that the mayor placed his arm around her, tickled her, and kissed her on the cheek, actions she found unwelcome, as mentioned in a letter from special prosecutor Jones.

A different student stated that Terry inquired if she was ticklish in a quiet tone and remained his hand ‘on her waist beyond the suitable time,’ the letter mentioned.

She mentioned that he also touched her backside, and she cried uncontrollably during the bus ride home.

Following an inquiry, prosecutors determined that there was insufficient evidence to bring charges against the mayor.

Jones stated that even if prosecutors could establish Terry’s claimed actions, “the evidence does not indicate that the Mayor’s behavior was intended to harass, alarm, or annoy, thereby eliminating any potential prosecution for harassment.”

The Hartwicks have not made any public comments regarding their recent lottery success. A representative of the mayor stated to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that he would not be issuing a statement about the issue.

The Daily Mail has contacted Terry and Tracy for their response.

Read more