Audrey Willis

Audrey Willis is the Democratic candidate for the Arkansas House of Representatives, District 35, in the November 3, 2026 general election, facing Republican Robert Thorne Jr. in a race with no incumbent.[1][3] A technology executive and co-founder of CodeCrew, she won the Democratic primary runoff on March 31, 2026, and says she is running on technology and workforce development, education and economic development.[1][2]

Audrey Willis was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from Redan High School.[1] Her career experience includes co-founding CodeCrew, where she is chief innovation and programming officer, and serving as a mayoral appointee for Innovation and Performance Analysis.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, she said she has worked to expand access to computer science education, workforce training and entrepreneurship opportunities across the Mid-South, serves on the boards of New Memphis and Epicenter Memphis, and is a member of the Delta Leadership Institute.[2]

Willis advanced from a five-candidate Democratic primary on March 3, 2026, to a runoff, which she won over Joyce Gray, 60.9% to 39.1%.[1] She said her three key messages are technology and workforce development, youth and education, and economic development, and that she wants to represent West Memphis, Marion, Parkin, Earle and Turrell.[2] Among her stated priorities are expanding tech training, broadband access and apprenticeships, supporting teachers and STEM programs, and helping small businesses gain access to capital.[2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.