Democrat Audra LaDawn Riley is running against Republican Kevin Patrick Yeary for Place 4 on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in the Nov. 3, 2026, election. Both appear in the official ballot certification. The race is statewide.
Riley currently presides over Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 3. That trial-court position is distinct from the appellate seat she is seeking.
Legal background
Her earlier judicial campaign website, which displays 2020 election dates, says she graduated from Sam Houston State University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. That historical page is used for biographical information, not as evidence of new 2026 promises.
What the office does
The Court of Criminal Appeals is Texas’ highest court for criminal matters. Its judges review legal issues arising from criminal cases; they do not serve as prosecutors, enact criminal statutes or set the state budget.
The sources reviewed do not establish a detailed new 2026 policy platform, proposed court spending changes or an implementation timetable for Riley. No unverified endorsements or promises are included in this profile.
The Murphy-Wylie-Sachse Courier did not receive a direct questionnaire response from the candidate and does not endorse candidates.
