In a decisive victory on Saturday night, Cole Stanley was re-elected as Mayor of Amarillo, securing 58.7% of the vote and earning a second term at the helm of the city council. His closest challenger, Jason Herrick, trailed with 36.6%. This win marks Stanley’s third term on the council, his second as mayor — a sign of voter confidence in his leadership and vision for Amarillo.
A Reflective Win
While Mayor Stanley expressed gratitude for the support he received, he was also candid about the tone of the campaign season, which he described as “disappointing.” Reflecting on the negative turn some of the election rhetoric took, Stanley remarked, “My disappointment is that this isn’t the way that gentlemen compete. I love competition, but the way that this has gone doesn’t represent Amarillo and I wasn’t proud to be a part of that process.”
His comments strike a chord in a time when local politics, like national politics, can often feel more divisive than constructive. Rather than bask in victory, Stanley took a moment to extend respect to his challengers — Jason Herrick, Misty Collier, and Luke Johnson Marek — acknowledging their courage in running for public office. “I hope that they walk with their heads up,” he said, “knowing that they put themselves out there in a capacity that very, very few people ever do.”
Staying the Course on Public Priorities
Looking ahead to his next two years, Stanley reaffirmed his commitment to two pressing priorities: public safety and infrastructure. Amarillo voters have long voiced concerns about aging roads and city infrastructure, and the mayor appears keen to listen and act.
“We’ve gotten some good things in the works that you guys are going to get to see over the next year,” Stanley said. “There’ll be a lot of good improvements.” He hinted not only at physical upgrades but also enhancements to the city's overall quality of life — including community events and initiatives aimed at strengthening civic pride and participation.
Economic Growth on the Horizon
Stanley also noted the work being done by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), which is exploring several major projects intended to attract sustainable industries with high-paying jobs. “Carved out exactly like what you want and what you need,” Stanley emphasized, pointing to the city’s desire to position itself for long-term economic success.
A Council Ready to Work
With a new face joining the City Council in Place 1, Stanley emphasized the importance of collaboration and unity moving forward. “Once we get everybody on board, we’ll really put a lot of our time into that budget,” he said, highlighting the importance of sound fiscal planning to support the city’s goals.
Whether serving on or off the ticket in the future, Stanley left no doubt about his ongoing dedication to Amarillo.
A Common-Sense Mandate
Stanley’s win wasn’t just about numbers — it was about trust. In a community where people value accountability, action, and mutual respect, his commitment to practical priorities and transparent governance resonated. The message from Amarillo voters was clear: focus on results, listen to concerns, and lead with integrity.
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