The Gray County Republican Party held a forum for the 2026 Republican Primary candidates, hosted by the Top ‘O Texas Republican women at the MK Brown Auditorium.
Moderating the event was Lee Cornelius, with a prayer from First Baptist Church Pastor Byron Williamson, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Pampa High School sophomore, Logan Sims.
The first portion of the forum was introductions by the candidates and are as follows:
John Browning, State Representative for District 88
“I want to start by thanking the Gray County Republicans and the Gray County Republican Women-what a beautiful event you have put on. I’ve been through many through District 88, this by far is the biggest. You should congratulate yourselves for being active participants in this. John Browning is a father, a husband, a widower, a rancher, a farmer, a Christian, a seedsman, a life-long member of the Gideons, a board member of the National Sorghum Producers, a board member of the Covenant Hospital Foundation, a daily bible reader, endorsed by Texas Right-for-Life. I am pro-life. I’m also endorsed by Mark Lee Dickson who is also very pro-life for the sanctuary cities for Texas, so I’m honored for that. I want to be your next representative because it is a called position. It is a called position that I have stepped into, I did not seek this, but I was asked. Ann was at the very first meeting that I went to for the Republican Women and they said, ‘you’re our guy.’ I had no idea. So I started doing my research, and I met Ken. I told him from the very beginning that I would never be his enemy, but I felt like it was time to have a discussion about his voting record. So I’m running to have that discussion, and I’m running on this proverb; ‘Buy the truth, and do not sell it. Gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding,’ Proverbs 23:23 And that’s the campaign proverb that I want you to remember when you go to the polls.”
Chasity Wedgeworth, United States Representative District 13
“I am running for Congress for District 13 which is this district. I don’t have a long list of political credentials to say that I’m over-qualified for this job. I am a regular person just like you, who has lost two businesses due to politics. The first one during the Covid-19 lockdowns and the next one over the SB3 attack that happened this past year. I know what life is really like for the people in this district-families and small businesses who are one paycheck away from losing everything, who work very hard and still feel like they’re falling behind. Instead of our leaders fixing what is actually broken, they encourage us to blame each other for our beliefs, for our votes, for our identities, and for why our lives feel so hard. But if we’re honest, that’s not what we’re angry about. We’re not angry about people in other countries. We’re not losing sleep over people in other states. We’re losing sleep because our own quality of life is slipping. We’re working harder, paying more and getting less in return. And when people are struggling just to survive, compassion is the first thing that disappears. That’s what I see happening right now. When cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical. While running for Congress, I have learned something very different: the rooms where decision get made are not always filled with the most capable people. They’re usually filled with the most connected ones. That’s not an accusation, that’s an observation. Many people in power didn’t get there because they were the most prepared or the most in-touch with everyday life, but because they inherited access-a name, a donor network, a pipeline that was endorsed long before anyone was asked if they were the right person for the job. Most people in this district don’t live that way. I didn’t live that way, and still don’t. We built our lives without shortcuts. We work jobs without safety nets. We raise families without backup plans, and we solve problems without connections because we have to. I didn’t grow up with money or political access, everything I have built has come from showing up, working hard, asking questions, and refusing to disappear just because I wasn’t invited to a room. Here’s what I know: when access is limited to the same families and donors, it’s not just the new candidates that are shut out, it’s the people they’re supposed to represent. All of us. This district doesn’t need another representative who is placed in that position from a donor list or a legacy name. It needs someone who understands our lives because they’ve lived the same way. I’m not asking for permission, I’m not seeking approval from insiders, and I’m not trying to work the system that hasn’t been working for the people. I’m building something different in the same way the people of this district built their lives. By working, listening, showing up and refusing to be invisible. My campaign is not about fitting in. It’s about making sure the people who have been overlooked for far too long finally see themselves represented. Not someday, not hypothetically-right now. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be here tonight, and I hope that I can earn your trust to represent you.”
Franklin McDonough, 223rd District Judge
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable unto you, oh Lord. I have had the privilege for 13 years, a month and a half to serve as your District Attorney for the 31st Judicial District for all five counties. Fourteen years ago, I decided to take a fearful step and run for office. I had the honor, the privilege, and the humility to call myself your District Attorney. In November the decision was made after prayer and fasting with my wife. A recognition that every step I’ve taken in my life led me here, to be your District Judge. I can stand here and tell you about a tough childhood. I can tell you about hard work-an Eagle Scout with three Eagle Palms, a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. I can tell you that as a Plainview High School graduate in 1997, I stood on a stage in Austin and medaled in Extemporary Speaking, but that was after a junior year of not winning at all. I can tell you that going through law school, I was on three national teams, but I can tell you it didn’t take the anxiety away. Fourteen years ago I stood on the stage at the Pampa Chamber of Commerce and I began to sweat. Thanks to God, I don’t sweat anymore. I made the decision to resign my position as District Attorney to seek this office, and the day the Governor replaces me, I will no longer be your District Attorney. Because I have a new calling. Because I’ve been through the arena. Those who know me know I’ve had some major failures in life. But those who really know me know I am the only attorney who was qualified to sit with a young child and put them on the stand when they told about continuous sexual abuse, and two years ago I told you I was the only attorney qualified to sit for the 2024 Board Certification, and I came through. I’m going to tell you now as your District Judge within the first four years and if I’m qualified for another one, I promise you this: the citizens of Gray County deserve it, and I will get another certification. I’m asking for your vote.”
Todd Alvey, 223rd District Judge
“On behalf of my wife and children who are here, I want to say thank you to the Gray County Republican Party and to the Republican Women of Gray County for putting this forum on. I want to talk to you about the 223rd Judicial District Court of Gray County. It’s your court of general jurisdiction. In September of 2025, approximately a third of the cases that came through this court were family law cases. A third of those cases were civil cases, and a third of those cases were criminal cases. Family cases are divorces, child custody, and child modifications. Civil cases are personal injury, product liability, contested probates, and tax cases. Then there’s the felonies, the ones the legislature has determined if you commit a felony you should go to prison. These cases represent conflict. Our court matters when individuals, families, business, and legal entities have their disagreements, they turn to this court. The court must be a safe haven, a place where the rule of law rises and politics, personalities, and outside pressures don’t matter. It must be a place where every citizen of Gray County is heard and treated fairly. As many of you know, I sought this position once before when the bench was open. I was not the most qualified candidate at that time, and I can honestly tell you that I needed more time to grow, both personally and professionally. I needed to be better prepared for the responsibilites of the District Judge. I believe that God knew I needed the time and experience before being entrusted with such an important role. Today I can say with confidence that I am ready to serve this district. I have been practicing in this county for more than 34 years. I have represented people from both sides of the table. I have represented all types of people. Today I ask that you vote for me because I represent your same values, your common sense. I believe I am prepared for this role and I ask that you vote for me. Thank you.”
Chris Porter, Gray County Judge
“As I stand here right now, the state of our county is strong. We are debt free. Our tax rate is the lowest i’ts been in ten years. Our crime rate is a 31-year low. I would love to take the credit for all that, but I cannot. But under my direction, this is where we’re heading: we have an industry that is coming in knocking on our door, and I have a meeting with more industries that want to come into Gray County. It has been my goal that we shifted the tax burden off of us as individuals and onto industry. Since we have a slowing of the oil field and I think everyone in the room realizes it’s on its last legs, and we need to diversify or our population will continue to suffer. We’ve moved 3,000 criminal cases in misdemeanor court since I’ve been in office. I believe in holding criminals accountable. I’m firm, but fair. People make mistakes and I understand that. My job is to break habits, and we do not have a lot of repeat offenders that come in. Our commissioners court has been aggressive in meeting with new industry and making sure we get the type of industry that will be long-term and is dependable and stable. Google is coming in here, and it’s a big deal. There’s a lot of misinformation about numbers. The numbers are important. Tax abatements are something that you give to put guardrails up to make sure they do what they say, and we have a tax abatement with Intersect Power right now that ensure our county roads will be repaired if they’re damaged, it ensures that it will be an air-cooled facility, and it ensures there are 39 full-time employees with 80 support jobs and that’s minimum. We made sure there would be 120 jobs in the community and Google is world famous for under-promising and over-delivering, so we should have more than that. This is the beginning and I’m really hoping everyone here sees my vision. I would ask no one to vote against anyone, but I ask for you to vote for me. I’m Chris Porter, married to Angela Porter for 32 years with three kids. I graduated Pampa High School in 1988. I’m a member of this community and have been a member of this community for a long time. I’m a third generation resident of this county. I don’t do this for a salary, I don’t do this for the title of judge, I do this because I want to make our home better and I want to make sure our people are taken care of. Thank you very much.”
Rick Amerson, Gray County Judge
“You’re probably asking, ‘who is Rick Amerson?’ My whole life has been shaped by God’s leading. I grew up in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. I earned an electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech, and a master’s degree from MIT in management of technology. I spent my career in computer design at Hewlett-Packard building their larger systems and partnering with companies such as IBM and Intel. Along the way I became a commercial pilot with advanced ratings, and while serving as a pianist at our small church, God sent an enchanting young lady from Pampa to visit, and I married her. We are now active members of First Baptist Pampa. God led us to Gray County after living afar. Our family has lived in Pampa since 1922, and we came back not by chance, but by choice. We were called to serve. For months, I spoke in three-minute soundbites at commissioners meetings. People began urging me to run, and I thought, ‘why me?’ And the answer was the calling: if not you, then who? So I stepped up to run for County Judge, and now it’s your turn to step up and vote for me. Gray County needs leadership that understands the coming AI data centers. Most counties have no one with a high-tech background. Now Gray County does. The Gray County Judge must protect the county’s interests, and tech companies protect their own. So here’s the opportunity they promise: tech executives are fleeing California to Austin, less than 500 miles from here, an easy flight from Perry-Lefors airport. Austin is the most expensive place in Texas, Gray County is the least. Google can do a lot more than build a data center here. They can build a satellite development campus, they could renovate the Hughes Building and turn it into offices for professionals, bringing in real jobs and real investment and long-term value, not just construction jobs gone when the project ends. The data centers are a done deal. It may not be what we wanted, but you play the hand you have, not the one you wish you had. A project this large will reshape Gray County for decades and demands serious informed leadership. Tax payers deserve someone negotiating on their behalf, and that’s why I’m running. As County Judge, I will listen to citizens, listen to tax payers, and negotiate ffrom strength, and Gray County has a lot of it, and I want to ensure growth benefits all of Gray County, not just outside corporations or a select few. Don’t just say somebody ought to do something, be that somebody. I’ve stepped up to run for County Judge, now I’m asking you to step up and vote. Vote for Rick Amerson on March 3 and together let’s build a better future for Gray County.”
Steve Barton, Gray County Judge
“Good evening and thank you for being here. My name is Steve Barton and I am running for Gray County Judge because I believe leadership should be about service, responsibility and trust. Gray County isn’t just where I live, it’s home and where I’ve raised my family, and it’s where I’ve spent my career investing in people. I’m not running to make a political statement, I’m running because I care deeply about the future of this county and the people who call it home. One of the biggest issues facing Gray County right now is the growth and development. The decision has been made. The data centers are coming, the solar farms are coming, the wind farms are here. The question isn’t now whether they will exist, but how. Gray County must make smart and responsible decisions to protect our land owners and infrastructure and our tax base. That includes safeguarding the water rights, ensuring the roads aren’t overburdened, and making sure emergency services are prepared as growth occurs. Public safety will always be one of our top priorities. Our first responders are the backbone of Gray County. They deserve leadership that listens, supports them, and plans ahead. Clear communication is important especially in emergencies. I’m fluent in Spanish, so that allows me to better serve our community, which matters most. For more than 30 years, I have served communities as a teacher and a coach. In the classroom and on the field I have learned what real leadership looks like. It’s both good and bad. Leaders must listen and set clear expectations, make tough decisions, and always do what is right. Coaching taught me how to build teams, it has taught me to hold people accountable, and bring people together around a common goal, and those are the skills that are exactly the skills that a County Judge needs. As County Judge, I will bring common sense leadership and fiscal responsibility to the county government. Gray County families work extremely hard for their tax dollars, and they expect their tax dollars to be respected. That means responsible budgeting, transparency and planning ahead, not catching up. I believe deeply in local control in our rural values. Gray County is best when decisions are made locally and made by people who understand this land and these communities. The Gray County Judge needs to be someone who is approachable and who is committed to service. I’m not running for a title, I’m running to serve, and that’s what I’ve done my entire career. I will lead with integrity, common sense, and a clear focus on the future. I would be honored if you would trust me with your vote so that I may be the next County Judge of Gray County. God bless Gray County.”
Candace Hanson, Gray County Clerk
“I’m Candace Hanson and I’m running for Gray County Clerk. My kids and I have lived in Pampa for 18 years. I moved to Pampa in 2007 to be closer to my mom and my sister, Jackie Burklow. I went to Clarendon College and Amarillo College. I am involved with the Republican Women, the VFW Auxiliary, and Altrusa. I have nine years banking experience from teller to accounts, 14 years at B&L Pipe Co., and nearly four years in the County Clerk’s office. When I started at the County Clerk’s office, I was shown how to do criminal, juvenile and mental health cases. I was given the opportunity to learn probates, guardianship, and civil cases. Periodically, I would issue warrants, subpoenas, jury summons, and protective orders. I also did birth and death certificates, burial transit permits, marriage licenses, deputations, military discharge certificates, assumed names, recording deeds, expunge records, just to name a few. I attended the Gray County commissioners court meetings and learned how to take the minutes. When we did a Notice of Trustee sale, I would post it on the website and also downstairs on the bulletin board. Some of the reports I did were for Purdue Brandon, ad litem, birth and death certificates, end of day reports, and send money yearly to the Texas Comptroller. Why do I want to be the County Clerk? I love the history that represents this county, and I want to be a part of that. I enjoy waiting on the customers and helping them find the documents they came into the office for. I believe every person that walks into the office should have the same quality of service as the next person that comes in. Coming to the courthouse should always be a good experience. The salary of the Clerk and the employees is paid by you, the taxpayers, and we should always remember that we are servants. I would like to send deputy clerks to at least one seminar a year to further their education and knowledge of the office. I believe we can learn a lot from other clerk offices. The experience I have received from the Texas College of Probate Judges conference was priceless, and every employee should experience that. I thank you for coming and I would be honored to have your vote. Thank you.”
Dee Dee Laramore, Gray County Clerk
“Thank you for being here tonight. I love seeing you all out here taking part in what is one of our country’s greatest liberties of free and fair election. It just blesses me beyond measure. I’m Dee Dee Laramore. Gray County is my home and serving this community matters deeply to me. For the last 43 years, I have lived here with my husband Vic and our family. On November 5, 2024, I was elected County Clerk to complete the term of Jeanne Horton. Before that, I served as a deputy clerk for two years and seven months. As County Clerk, I’m the keeper of the records. This office safeguards land records dating back to the 1880s, birth and death certificates, family generations, marriage licenses, court records, probates, and commissioners court minutes. I protect personal and sensitive information while also ensuring public access when required by law. My four deputy clerks work together to offer excellent customer service. My chief deputy is bilingual to better serve our Spanish-speaking residents. Soon our website will be updated to meet new standards so that more citizens can access those records. Last summer, the Texas legislature passed about 20 bills that affect county clerks. Those laws strengthen property protection and guard against fraud. Property owners have expressed real concern about documents being filed that could falsely claim ownership of their land and their homes. One of my priorities is to offer property record notification to the public. To me, this is an essential service that provides safety and peace of mind to Gray County residents. My prior experience prepared me to lead this office. For more than 15 years, I served as Executive Director of Tralee Crisis Center. I managed 16 employees, three facilities, multiple grants done, budgets and investments. I worked closely with state and federal agencies. I believe I’m the most experienced and prepared candidate for County Clerk. I’m committed to serving Gray County citizens with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. I humbly ask for your vote in the Republican Primary on March 3. Thank you.”
Dallas Cline, Gray County Sheriff
“My name is Dallas Cline and I’m running for Gray County Sheriff. I am an Iraq war veteran, I’m a law enforcement officer with a high degree of experience, and have a high degree of education. The most important thing is I’m a family man. There are six key things that I want to change. First, having a sheriff that you can be proud of, a sheriff that does not create scandal, and a sheriff that does the right thing even when it is hard to do so. Second, I’d like to manage our deputies to better provide coverage throughout Gray County, and to also have a proactive mindset so we can curb the crime rate further. Third, treating citizens, employees and inmates with respect so the county can avoid civil litigation, and to treat people good. Fourth, managing the jail with a security mindset, and train the jail staff to be a professional force. I also hope to never have a failing jail standard ever again. Fifth, I want to have a complete audit of the Sheriff’s Office, and after that, give it to the public to let you all know what is going on there, good or bad. I also want to provide a monthly brief and a yearly brief for what’s going on at the Sheriff’s Office. Lastly, I will be reaching out to pastors to try to come up with some kind of faith-based ministry and rehabilitation. I believe that’s very important for people that are coming out of jail. I believe all these things are achievable and I think they will make Gray County a better place. Thank you.”
JC Skinner, Gray County Sheriff
“Good evening and thank you all for being here. My name is JC Skinner. I’m married to Jessica and we have two kids here in Gray County and they go to school in McLean. They are involved in a little bit of everything-rodeo, FFA, and any sport you can imagine. Between me, my grandfather, and my father, we have served a total of over 55 years in law enforcement in Gray County. I’m currently appointed as Sheriff, and I’ve worked for the Sheriff’s Office for more than 16 years. During that time, I’ve had the honor of serving under Sheriff Don Copeland and Sheriff Michael Ryan. I learned a lot from their leadership and I believe that has given me the experience that I need to lead the office today. During Sheriff Ryan’s absence, I was responsible for maintaining all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office administration. I stepped up in this role, which at the time I was Chief Deputy, and that’s not typically a chief deputy’s responsibility that I was having to handle at that time. But I did gain a lot of experience through that. After I was appointed Sheriff, we implemented some changes. I promoted a new Chief Deputy who has helped me along the way, and we are trying to make some positive changes for the office. At the Sheriff’s Office, I have worked every level in the department, from patrol deputy to sergeant to chief deputy and now a sheriff. I have several certifications-Master Peace Officer, Instructor, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics, and multiple others. I’ve also served as your K-9 handler since 2014, and have been recognized in the district courts of Gray County as an expert witness in criminal litigation and K-9 tactics. I understand not just law enforcement, but the responsibility that comes with leadership. I have managed the Sheriff’s Office annual budget for several years, operating within approved limits despite inflation and increased jail population. I believe in being fiscally responsible while still providing the tools needed to keep our county safe. I have supervised large scale emergencies within Gray County, including tornadoes, wildfires, and I feel like those are experiences you have to be there for to learn how to manage yourself. I’m JC Skinner and I appreciate your support in this election.”
Connie Ogle, Justice of the Peace 1&3
“I want to thank everyone and my family for being here tonight. My name is Connie Ogle, and I am a candidate for Justice of the Peace 1&3 for Gray County. I am Justice of the Peace for 2&4, have been so for almost 10 years. I was appointed for Judge Curfman’s unexpired term and it seems like I’ve been through four elections since that time. I moved from my Precinct 2 home to my mom and dad’s home after they passed away to Precinct 3. Texas allows that you can complete your term and still move to another precinct and finish out your term without having to be ousted, you just cannot run in any position except the precinct that you’re in unless you’re running for a county wide position. I’m excited to possibly represent 1&3. I have represented 2&4 fairly and professionally and by the law. I don’t always like what I have to do and the decisions I’ve had to make, but I guarantee you I’m fair. You come to my court, you’re going to have your time to give your say. I’m an ex-police officer and I have a master certification and taught in the Academy, and I’ve worked Homeland Security, so there’s not much that I haven’t done in law enforcement. I’ve also been a jail administrator, which I think is one of the hardest jobs you could ever have. That being said, one of the things we have to make sure of as Justice of the Peace is that people being put in jail know that their probable cause was in fact exactly met with all the elements of the crime. It’s everyone’s right for me to make sure that they are arrested legally. I would love the opportunity to serve Precinct 1&3, I’m not running against anyone, I’m running for Gray County. Thank you.”
Julie Sims, Justice of the Peace 1&3
“My name is Julie Sims and I’m the current JP for Precincts 1&3. A little bit about my background. I earned a Bachelor’s in Science for Criminal Justice Adminstration from West Texas A&M University in 1998, and in the same year I married my best friend. We have raised our two daughters here in Gray County and now we have three granddaughters. I joined the Lefors Volunteer Fire Department in March of 2006 following the large wildfire that was near Lefors. In May of 2007, I obtained my basic EMT in order to help out the small community of Lefors. After the first year or so, I decided I wanted to expand my knowledge and skills and went to work for EMS in Pampa and worked alongside paramedics. After four years, I obtained my intermediate, which is now called advanced. I continued working on my advanced for 11 years and was offered to purue my paramedic. In March of 2022, I obtained my paramedic license. This has truly been my love, but my body decided I needed to do something else after so long. I do still work as a paramedic and continue to maintain my license. In July of 2024, Judge Curfman approached me and asked if I was ready to do something different. I had been in EMS for almost 17 years and I thought maybe it was time. So asked him what he had in mind and he told me Judge Goodman was retiring and I told him that I would check into it and do some research. I talked to my husband and my family about it and we prayed about it, and I thought I can do this. So I called Ann Franklin and put in an application and interviewed with the Republican committee and was chosen to be on the ballot for November 5, 2024. I was elected for JP 1&3 at that time and on November 6, I was appointed and sworn in to finish the end of the year, and on January 1 of 2025 I was sworn in as an elected official. Since my time as JP, I have completed over 80 hours of judge’s school and attended the West Texas JPCA Conference in Odessa and gained more knowledge and education. I have completed some online training as well and I research what I don’t understand or know, and I make calls to other JPs in the state when I’m not sure or confident in the decisions that need to be made. One of the biggest accomplishments I have made is the reduction in the number of hours students owe in school in order to graduate. We have reduced quite a bit of the truancy with the hours that are owed. We are down from 295 kids owing hours to 198. Another aspect of the job is unattended deaths, and I do my best to be at every one of them, and I have been since my time. Thank you, I appreciate your vote.”
Michael Lewis, Justice of the Peace 1&3
“Hello everyone, I’m Michael Lewis running for Justice of the Peace 1&3 for Gray County. I have an extensive background in the medical field-I’ve worked in nursing homes in the Alzheimer’s unit, worked at the hospital in MedSurg, and I have worked in the psychiatric ward in the Golden Phoenix, and I left there to work for Dr. Nigel Da Silva for about four years. One thing I learned with Dr. Da Silva was compassion and my campaign is going to be a lot about compassion. A lot of people think compassion is about being soft, but it isn’t. Sometimes you can get things accomplished better through compassion than you can being ugly, mean, strict or hard on people. Talking to people, getting to the root of the problem is very, very important to me. I also worked for Pampa Junior High for special education. That’s where I first started working for Pampa ISD. I did that for a year working with kids who have difficulties in class learning math and science and English. I sat in those classes and helped them. I left there and did a couple of other things, and I owned the Sears hometown store here in Pampa. I managed it for a while then got the opportunity to own it for about four years. It didn’t work out too well with our economy at the time, so I left there and went back to the school at Travis Elementary. My first year I worked in the Autism unit and really enjoyed that and learned a lot from those kids. The following year I was asked to stay with one student daily in his classes and make sure he could perform okay because he had behavior problems. I did that and was then asked to go to Austin, but in the meantime I was nominated for the Paraprofessional of the Year at Travis Elementary, so I kind of floated back and forth. The next year I was asked to help with redirected behavior at Travis when they made the changes with the grade levels. I did that for about a year, and I did a lot of that by myself. My whole thing is I want to be compassionate, I want to be fair, I want to be firm. I want to get to the root of the truancy problem. Truancy is a big problem-Julie gave the numbers, and I’ve talked to several people. There are some things that need to be worked on and I think I can do a different way of getting around that, including being a little bit more firm. I want those kids and parents to be able to look me in the eye and we get to the root of the problem. I’ve never ran for anything, so this is my first time running and I appreciate your vote on March 3 in the primary. Thank you.”
Clifton “Bud” Fletcher, Justice of the Peace 2&4
“ My name is Clifton Fletcher, almost everyone knows me as Bud. My wife and I have been married for 28 and a half years. We’ve lived here the entire time we’ve been married. I’ve lived here for about 37 years total, from elementary school to high school until I moved to Wheeler with my parents. Our oldest is 21 and our youngest just turned 14. I worked at Titan for 18 and a half years, and while I was there I had to get a federal background check done to handle some of the materials that we dealt with in the shipping department and passed that. We are members of the Mary Ellen and Harvester Church of Christ. We’ve been there for a long time. I’m also a member of the Pampa Umpires Association and we do the softball tournaments out at Rec Park. We also ref the volleyball games at the Cav Building for adult leagues. I’ve been on the board for about 19 years. I’m a pretty simple guy. I appreciate you being here and I appreciate your vote on March 3.”
Jennifer Hartman, Justice of the Peace 2&4
“Hello everybody, it’s good to see everyone here tonight. My name is Jennifer Hartman and I’m running for Gray County Justice of the Peace for Precincts 2&4. I was born and raised in northwest Oklahoma and moved to Texas in 2008 with my husband who works in the oil and gas industry. For more than seven years, I’ve worked for Gray County-two years as a dispatcher with the Sheriff’s Department and the last five years as a clerk for the Justice of the Peace Precincts 2&4 office. I didn’t decide to run because I wanted the title or recognition-I decided to run because this is the work I know, the work I do every single day. During my time in the JP office, I’ve completed nearly 200 hours of continuing education and earned a Master Clerk certification. Out of nearly 4,000 justice court clerks across Texas, only 176 clerks hold that certification. I believe that a Justice of the Peace should be steady, respectful and fair. You may not always agree with every outcome with every case, but you must feel confident that the process was handled correctly and with care. Because of my experience, I’m ready to step into this role and hit the ground running serving this community on day one. I am grateful to serve Gray County, and would be honored to continue to serve as your next Justice of the Peace for Precincts 2&4. Thank you and I would appreciate your vote.”
Early voting will be February 17th through February 27th at the Gray County Courthouse, 205 N. Russell in Room 104. Times are: Tuesday, February 17th through Friday, February 20th-8 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, February 21: 7 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, February 22: 12 PM to 6 PM
Monday, February 23 through Friday, February 27: 7 AM to 7 PM.
Election Day, March 3: 7 AM to 7 PM
Last day to register is February 2, 2026. Mail ballots will begin going out on January 24, 2026. Last day to request ballot by mail is February 20, 2026.
