Potter County Republican Chairman Dan Rogers has announced that he will be a candidate for the House District 87 seat being vacated by State Rep. Four Price next year.

Rogers, a real estate investor, property management company owner, and rancher, announced his candidacy on Wednesday, becoming the first candidate to formally announce their plans to run for Price’s seat in 2024. Prior to his announcement, Rogers told the Potter County Republican Executive Committee on Sunday that he would not be seeking re-election to a fourth term as county chairman.

In a statement, Rogers said he is running for House District 87 to place an emphasis on issues like election integrity and taxpayer advocacy in Austin.

“I’m launching my campaign for House District 87,” Rogers said. “My time as Potter County GOP Chairman showed me the impact we can have. After hearing calls urging me to consider the opportunity to run, I realized the need for solid Conservatives untied to special interests in the Texas House of Representatives. I’m committed to leading by example, growing the party, engaging voters, and advancing conservative ideas that benefit all.”

First elected by precinct chairs to replace Chairman Bill Bandy in 2018, Rogers was re-elected unopposed as county chairman in 2020 and 2022. During his tenure, Potter County Republicans have won several seats previously held by Democrats and fielded candidates for some contests that have gone unopposed for decades. In addition, Rogers has overseen a rapid expansion of the local party, with increased volunteer engagement and a larger number of precinct chairs appointed to vacancies.

Perhaps Rogers’ biggest legacy with the Potter County Republican Party has been the party’s intense focus on paper ballots and election integrity initiatives. Under Rogers’ leadership, the local party has placed a great emphasis on this issue – including passing several resolutions to county commissioners. In 2022, Rogers attempted to push forward with a plan to use paper ballots for the party’s primary election in Potter County, which was ultimately opposed by County Judge Nancy Tanner.

Aside from Rogers, several other candidates are reportedly considering joining the race to replace Price. Former Randall County Commissioner Craig Gualitere, City of Amarillo employee Carter Estes, and former congressional candidate Vance Snider have all confirmed that they are considering running.

Ballot filing begins in November. The primary election for the seat is currently scheduled for March 2024.

Thomas Warren

Thomas Warren, III is the editor-in-chief of the Amarillo Pioneer newspaper in Amarillo, Texas.

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