Audrey Willis

Audrey Willis (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Arkansas House of Representatives to represent District 35. She declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on March 3, 2026.

Willis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Arkansas House of Representatives District 35

Joyce Gray (D), Sherry Holliman (D), Demetris Johnson Jr. (D), Willie Williams (D), and Audrey Willis (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Arkansas House of Representatives District 35 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Joyce Gray
	Submit photo	Sherry Holliman
		Demetris Johnson Jr.
	Submit photo	Willie Williams
		Audrey Willis

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Republican primary

Republican primary for Arkansas House of Representatives District 35

Robert Thorne Jr. (R) is running in the Republican primary for Arkansas House of Representatives District 35 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Robert Thorne Jr.

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Audrey Willis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Willis' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Audrey P. Willis is a technology and innovation leader, educator, and community advocate deeply rooted in the Arkansas Delta. As Co-Founder and Chief Innovation & Programming Officer at CodeCrew, Audrey has spent her career expanding access to computer science education, workforce training, and entrepreneurship opportunities across the Mid-South.

Recognized as a U.S. Obama Leader, Audrey has worked alongside policymakers and innovators worldwide to create inclusive solutions that prepare communities for the future of work. She currently serves on the boards of New Memphis and Epicenter Memphis and is a member of the Delta Leadership Institute, where she helps shape regional strategies for economic growth and innovation.

Born into a family with deep Arkansas roots, Audrey’s great-grandfather farmed cotton in Parkin after serving in World War I. That legacy of hard work and resilience drives her commitment to serve District 35 representing West Memphis, Marion, Parkin, Earle, and Turrell with integrity, innovation, and impact.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Technology & Workforce Development
Arkansas is standing on the edge of a technology and workforce boom and District 35 can lead the way. Audrey will: - Expand access to tech training and digital-skills programs. - Partner with employers to launch apprenticeships and create good-paying jobs. - Invest in broadband access so every resident can participate in the modern economy.
- Build public-private partnerships that bring innovation and opportunity to every neighborhood.
Youth & Education Every child deserves a world-class education and a clear path to success. Audrey will: - Support teachers with the training and tools they need to prepare students for the future. - Expand after-school, STEM, and career-readiness programs. - Strengthen early-childhood education and literacy. - Connect classrooms to local industry to prepare students for real-world opportunities.
Economic Development A strong economy starts with strong communities. Audrey will: - Support small businesses and entrepreneurs through access to capital and mentorship. - Attract new industries and create jobs that pay living wages. - Encourage development that keeps talent and investment in District 35. - Advocate for infrastructure and innovation districts that drive inclusive growth.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about policies that connect innovation, education, and economic growth. My focus is on expanding tech and workforce training so Arkansans can earn good-paying jobs close to home. I’m committed to supporting teachers and STEM programs that prepare students for the future of work, and to helping small businesses grow through access to capital and partnerships. I believe innovation shouldn’t just happen in big cities, it should thrive right here in East Arkansas, empowering families and building stronger communities across District 35.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

For me, the most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, humility, and follow-through. Titles don’t impress me, impact does. I believe leaders should be grounded in service, not status. An elected official should listen before speaking, tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and make decisions that benefit people, not politics. I’ve built my career on getting things done, not just talking about them, and I believe leadership is about using your platform to create opportunities for others. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and staying rooted in the community that trusted you to lead.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a State Representative is to serve the people, not personal interests or party agendas. It’s about listening to the needs of the community and turning those concerns into action. This role requires transparency, accessibility, and accountability. A representative should be visible, responsive, and willing to work across party lines to get things done for the sake of the community, not political affiliation. For me, that means creating jobs, supporting schools, and building systems that make opportunity possible for everyone, no matter their zip code.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serve the people of Arkansas. Healthy debate is necessary, but progress happens when both branches work together toward common goals. The governor should set a vision that uplifts the state, and the legislature should ensure that vision is carried out with fairness, transparency, and accountability. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we must always agree to put Arkansans first. That’s how real, lasting change happens.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Arkansas is standing at the edge of a major technology boom, especially in East Arkansas, and our greatest challenge will be making sure we’re prepared for it. Artificial intelligence and automation are already reshaping how we learn, work, and live. If we don’t act now, we risk leaving our teachers, students, and workers behind. We need policies that equip educators with the tools to teach AI responsibly, programs that reskill and upskill our workforce, and accountability measures to ensure employers hiring in our state are hiring Arkansans. Our challenge isn’t whether innovation is coming it’s whether we’ll be ready to lead it. I believe we can.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe understanding the inner workings of government is important but it’s not the only kind of experience that matters. I’ve had firsthand experience serving in government as an appointee of the Mayor, where I learned how policy, budgets, and public accountability truly operate. My work in Fortune 100 companies taught me strategy and accountability; startup experience taught me how to build from scratch and pivot when needed; and nonprofit leadership taught me compassion and service. Political experience can help, but real leadership comes from understanding systems, solving problems, and delivering results for people.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, absolutely. Building relationships with other legislators is essential to getting real work done. I believe in pluralism the idea that progress comes when people with different experiences and perspectives work together toward shared goals. Strong relationships across party lines allow for honest dialogue, creative problem-solving, and policies that truly reflect the needs of all Arkansans. I’ve seen through my work in innovation and government that collaboration, not competition, leads to better outcomes. We don’t have to agree on everything to move our communities forward—just agree to get to work.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I look up to two Arkansas leaders who reshaped how our state thinks about progress Winthrop Rockefeller and Governor Asa Hutchinson.

Winthrop Rockefeller was a visionary who modernized Arkansas politics and led with compassion and courage. He believed that leadership meant improving lives, not just winning elections. His focus on education, workforce reform, and racial equality continues to inspire me. Like Rockefeller, I believe innovation must serve people that progress should be inclusive, measurable, and rooted in opportunity for every community.

Governor Asa Hutchinson also embodied future-focused leadership. Under his administration, Arkansas became a national leader in computer science education a move that prepared our teachers, students, and workforce for the digital economy long before other southern states took notice. I admire his willingness to look ahead, embrace technology, and build bipartisan support to make it happen. His work laid the foundation for Arkansas to become a model of how education and innovation can work hand in hand.

Both leaders remind me that progress requires courage the courage to modernize, to collaborate across party lines, and to make decisions that will outlast your term. That’s the kind of leadership I strive to bring to District 35.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time. My focus is on serving the people of District 35 and doing the work that directly impacts our communities. I believe effective leadership means being present, engaged, and accountable to the people who elected you. Right now, my energy is on creating jobs, supporting teachers, preparing our students for the future, and ensuring East Arkansas is ready for the coming wave of innovation and opportunity. The best way to lead is to focus on the work at hand, not the next office.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I believe the legislature should oversee emergency powers, but with balance. Having served in a mayoral appointment when the world was hit by COVID, I saw firsthand how important flexibility and collaboration are in a crisis. We had to adapt quickly but still work together for the good of the people. The governor must be able to act fast to protect citizens, but transparency and accountability matter too. Oversight isn’t about control it’s about trust, teamwork, and making sure decisions reflect the people we serve.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The Arkansas Tech Hub: Delta Innovation District will directly benefit the people of District 35 by creating real opportunities that reach every corner of our community. It means more good-paying local jobs so parents can work where they live, training programs so workers can move into high-demand fields like technology, logistics, and agriculture, and hands-on learning for students to prepare for the careers of the future. Small business owners will gain access to new contracts, mentorship, and resources, while our farmers will have local support to use modern tools that increase efficiency and profit. By matching every local and philanthropic dollar with state funds, we’ll double our investment in our people and infrastructure without raising taxes. This hub isn’t about bringing in outsiders, it’s about giving our residents the skills, spaces, and support to thrive right here in West Memphis, so the Delta’s best days aren’t ahead of us somewhere else, they’re being built by us, right here at home.

Create a state designation + matching fund to launch the West Memphis Innovation & Logistics Tech Hub (AI + agritech + supply chain).

How: $1 of state match for every $1 of local/philanthropy/EDA money; site-readiness, lab build-out, prototyping vouchers.

Qualify: Consortia led by city/county + higher-ed + industry.

Metrics: startups launched, SBIR wins, jobs created, median wage.

Fit: Works alongside AEDC investment tools (Advantage Arkansas, ArkPlus, Create Rebate) and equity credits.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Yes, but carefully. I believe any changes to the state ballot initiative process must be handled with transparency and sensitivity to the people most affected. The process should make it easier, not harder, for Arkansans to have their voices heard. Before considering any adjustments, we must listen to constituents, not personal or political interests. I support thoughtful reforms that strengthen trust, improve clarity, and ensure every citizen feels represented in the democratic process.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

To date, one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is deciding to jump into this race and run for State Representative. It’s not something I took lightly it’s a decision rooted in years of service, community work, and seeing firsthand what’s possible when people lead with purpose. I’ve built programs that created jobs, expanded access to technology education, and helped everyday Arkansans prepare for the future. But stepping forward to serve my district directly feels different. It’s personal. I’m proud that I said “yes” to representing the people and places that shaped me.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

I believe every Arkansan deserves an equal and fair path to the ballot box. Voting should never feel like a privilege it’s a right. I would support legislation that ensures early voting is consistent, well-publicized, and accessible for everyone, especially in rural and underserved areas like East Arkansas.

I’ve seen firsthand in local government how small breakdowns in communication confusing rules, limited access, or long lines can keep people from participating. That’s not democracy in action. I’d work to strengthen transparency, require clear public reporting, and make the process easier to understand.

Most importantly, any changes to election laws must reflect the voices of the people, not politics. I’m committed to listening to voters, poll workers, and community leaders to make sure reforms build trust not barriers. My focus is on ensuring that every Arkansan, no matter their zip code, can vote with confidence knowing their voice counts.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.

External links

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Candidate

Arkansas House of Representatives District 35

Personal

Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Arkansas House of Representatives

Leadership

Majority Leader:Howard Beaty

Minority Leader:Andrew Collins

Representatives

District 1

Jeremy Wooldridge (R)

District 2

Trey Steimel (R)

District 3

Stetson Painter (R)

District 4

Jason Nazarenko (R)

District 5

Ron McNair (R)

District 6

Harlan Breaux (R)

District 7

Brit McKenzie (R)

District 8

Austin McCollum (R)

District 9

Diana Gonzales Worthen (D)

District 10

Mindy McAlindon (R)

District 11

Rebecca Burkes (R)

District 12

Hope Hendren Duke (R)

District 13

Scott Richardson (R)

District 14

Nick Burkes (R)

District 15

John Carr (R)

District 16

Kendon Underwood (R)

District 17

Randy Torres (R)

District 18

Robin Lundstrum (R)

District 19

Steven Unger (R)

District 20

Denise Garner (D)

District 21

Nicole Clowney (D)

District 22

David Whitaker (D)

District 23

Kendra Moore (R)

District 24

Brad Hall (R)

District 25

Chad Puryear (R)

District 26

James Eaton (R)

District 27

Steven Walker (R)

District 28

Bart Schulz (R)

District 29

Rick McClure (R)

District 30

Frances Cavenaugh (R)

District 31

Jimmy Gazaway (R)

District 32

Jack Ladyman (R)

District 33

Jon Milligan (R)

District 34

Joey Carr (R)

District 35

Jessie McGruder (D)

District 36

Johnny Rye (R)

District 37

Steve Hollowell (R)

District 38

Dwight Tosh (R)

District 39

Wayne Long (R)

District 40

Shad Pearce (R)

District 41

Alyssa Brown (R)

District 42

Stephen Meeks (R)

District 43

Rick Beck (R)

District 44

Stan Berry (R)

District 45

Aaron Pilkington (R)

District 46

Jon Eubanks (R)

District 47

Lee Johnson (R)

District 48

Ryan Rose (R)

District 49

Jay Richardson (D)

District 50

Zack Gramlich (R)

District 51

Cindy Crawford (R)

District 52

Marcus Richmond (R)

District 53

Matt Duffield (R)

District 54

Mary Bentley (R)

District 55

Matt Brown (R)

District 56

Steve Magie (D)

District 57

Cameron Cooper (R)

District 58

Les Eaves (R)

District 59

Jim Wooten (R)

District 60

Roger Lynch (R)

District 61

Jeremiah Moore (R)

District 62

Mark McElroy (R)

District 63

Lincoln Barnett (D)

District 64

Ken Ferguson (D)

District 65

Glenn Barnes (D)

District 66

Mark Perry (D)

District 67

Karilyn Brown (R)

District 68

Brian Evans (R)

District 69

David Ray (R)

District 70

Vacant

District 71

Brandon Achor (R)

District 72

Tracy Steele (D)

District 73

Andrew Collins (D)

District 74

Tippi McCullough (D)

District 75

Ashley Hudson (D)

District 76

Joy Springer (D)

District 77

Fred Allen (D)

District 78

Keith Brooks (R)

District 79

Tara Shephard (D)

District 80

Denise Ennett (D)

District 81

RJ Hawk (R)

District 82

Tony Furman (R)

District 83

Paul Childress (R)

District 84

Les Warren (R)

District 85

Richard McGrew (R)

District 86

John Maddox (R)

District 87

DeAnn Vaught (R)

District 88

Dolly Henley (R)

District 89

Justin Gonzales (R)

District 90

Richard Womack (R)

District 91

Bruce Cozart (R)

District 92

Julie Mayberry (R)

District 93

Mike Holcomb (R)

District 94

Jeff Wardlaw (R)

District 95

Howard Beaty (R)

District 96

Sonia Barker (R)

District 97

Matthew Shepherd (R)

District 98

Wade Andrews (R)

District 99

Lane Jean (R)

District 100

Carol Dalby (R)

Republican Party (80)

Democratic Party (19)

Vacancies (1)

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Audrey Willis

Contents

Elections

2026

General election

Democratic primary

Democratic primary for Arkansas House of Representatives District 35

Republican primary

Republican primary for Arkansas House of Representatives District 35

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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