The race for Amarillo’s next mayor and city council is heating up, and on Tuesday night, voters had the chance to see the candidates in action. Hosted by the High Plains Republican Women and the Randall County GOP, the debate provided a platform for approximately 15 candidates to present their ideas, defend their platforms, and attempt to win over voters ahead of the upcoming May 3 election.
With a strong turnout, the event underscored the importance of local elections and the growing interest among Amarillo residents in shaping the future of their city. From the Civic Center bond to infrastructure concerns, candidates tackled critical issues, making it clear that the stakes are high in this election.
A Heated Exchange on Key Issues
At times, the debate grew intense as candidates challenged each other’s positions and clashed over some of Amarillo’s most pressing issues. Among the topics discussed were:
The Civic Center Bond – A long-debated issue concerning funding for the city’s Civic Center, with candidates offering differing opinions on how to move forward.
Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) – Discussion on its effectiveness and future role in the city’s growth.
Permit Difficulties – Many residents have expressed frustration with how difficult it is to obtain permits for construction and business development, and candidates addressed ways to streamline the process.
Infrastructure Challenges – Roads, water systems, and overall city planning were key concerns brought up by both candidates and residents.
Each candidate was given three questions to answer, allowing them to clarify their stances and explain their vision for Amarillo’s future.
A Strong Turnout Shows Engaged Voters
One of the biggest takeaways from the night was the high level of voter interest. Holly Jeffreys, president of the High Plains Republican Women, emphasized the significance of informed voting.
“It’s so awesome that people will come out for that so they can get more education on not just the issues, but the people they’re voting into office for those issues,” Jeffreys said. “Amarillo is a special place, it’s a great place to be. The Texas Panhandle is a great place to be and raise your family, and you want people in leadership that you can trust and you know are going to make the right decisions for you and your community.”
Connie Morgan, campaign activities chair for the High Plains Republican Women, echoed that sentiment, stressing that elections at the local level are where change truly begins.
“It all starts at the local level. That’s where we really evaluate what our beliefs and values are, and we try to vote for the candidates that represent that,” Morgan said. “And so hopefully, we can do that on up to the state and the federal level.”
Kelly Giles, chairman for the Randall County GOP, reinforced the importance of selecting leaders who will directly impact residents’ daily lives.
“We want the best candidates out there to represent us, and if they are elected, that’s what they’ll do,” Giles said. “They will represent you and me on the city council in governance of our municipality, and they are the representatives we have voted in to do the governance for us.”
Key Election Dates for Amarillo Voters
As the election approaches, organizers hope this debate will encourage more engagement from Amarillo voters. If you’re planning to vote, here’s what you need to know:
Last day to register or update registration: April 3
Early voting period: April 22 – April 29
Election Day: May 3
Local elections often have the most direct impact on residents, shaping policies that affect daily life in Amarillo. This debate gave voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates, but the real decision happens at the ballot box.
