Multiple candidates in Potter County turned in their applications for the ballot on Monday night, ensuring that local voters will have plenty of options when they head to the polls next year.
In the Potter County Commissioner races for 2020, Precinct 1 incumbent Republican H.R. Kelly will face his first challenger in firearms instructor Ayvrie Dixon. While rumors had circulated for weeks that several Democrats were considering running, no other candidates filed, meaning that this race will likely be decided in the Republican primary.
For Precinct 3, incumbent Commissioner Leon Church’s retirement has created a wide field of candidates hoping to take his job. Joining George Buchenau Jr., John Coffee, and Brian Moore in the Republican primary are pastor Walter Goodwin and banker Bowden Jones Jr. These races are expected to be closely watched, especially as activists are expressing concerns about the county’s debt load and tax burden.
Republicans also fielded challengers for both Democrat incumbents serving as constables in Potter County. Zack Coleman will challenge incumbent Georgia Estrada in Precinct 2, and Precinct 4 incumbent Idella Jackson has two Republicans vying for her seat, with attorney Kerry Haney and warehouseman Norman Dowlen filing for the GOP primary.
In another surprise filing, Amarillo attorney Ryan Brown filed to challenge incumbent Potter County attorney Scott Brumley in 2020. Brown will run as a Democrat to face the Republican Brumley.
Potter County’s state representative, Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo), will be unopposed in 2020. Additionally, newcomer Chip Parker will run unopposed for constable in Precinct 3, incumbent Republican Constable Darryl Wertz is running unopposed in Precinct 1, and both Potter County’s sheriff and tax collector will be unopposed.
Primary election day is March 3, 2020.
