David Prescott unseats incumbent Tom Scherlen in tight runoff

In one of the tightest Amarillo City Council races in recent memory, challenger David Prescott narrowly unseated incumbent Tom Scherlen in the runoff election for the Place 3 seat. Just 51 votes separated the two candidates — a razor-thin margin that underscores a basic civic truth: every vote really does matter.

Prescott edged past Scherlen with 4,660 votes (50.28%) to Scherlen’s 4,609 (49.72%) across both Potter and Randall counties. Out of more than 135,000 registered voters, just 9,269 cast ballots — a turnout rate of 6.86%. That’s low, even by runoff standards, and it means that less than 7% of voters made a decision that affects 100% of Amarillo residents.

The outcome wasn’t obvious at first. Early voting totals initially gave Scherlen a slight 13-vote lead. But once Election Day votes were added, Prescott’s numbers in Potter County, and a modest bump in Randall, flipped the result in his favor.

Let’s take a closer look at the county-level voting:

Potter County:

Prescott: 1,159 early votes, 530 on Election Day

Scherlen: 1,007 early votes, 452 on Election Day

Randall County:

Prescott: 2,117 early votes, 854 on Election Day

Scherlen: 2,282 early votes, 868 on Election Day

Scherlen’s early vote advantage in Randall County was clear, but it wasn’t enough to offset Prescott’s gains on Election Day, particularly in Potter County.

This runoff was triggered after no candidate secured a majority in the May 3 general election. Scherlen led that initial race with 47.4%, Prescott followed with 45.5%, and third-place finisher Nune Perez took 7.1%. With Perez out of the picture, the runoff became a rematch — and a test of who could mobilize supporters the second time around.

Scherlen’s defeat brings his time on the council to an end after just one term. Prescott joins fellow newcomer Tim Reid, who won an open seat in the general election, as part of a reshaped five-member council. They’ll serve alongside Mayor Cole Stanley, Councilman Les Simpson, and Councilman Don Tipps — the latter two both returning for second terms, with Tipps winning unopposed.

Looking ahead, Prescott has outlined some clear priorities. First on the list: Amarillo’s aging wastewater treatment infrastructure.

“We’ve got to get the wastewater treatment plants fixed,” he said. “It’s going to take time, but I’m a quick learner.”

He also predicted a change in tone and dynamic on the council. With more diverse viewpoints now in play, he expects fewer unanimous votes and more thoughtful debate.

“People didn’t vote for rubber stamps — they voted for accountability and fresh ideas. That’s what I plan to bring.”

Prescott emphasized collaboration with city staff and fellow councilmembers, but he made it clear he won’t shy away from asking tough questions or pushing for better answers.

“I want to be part of the team that makes Amarillo better — not just today, but for generations.”

The results remain unofficial until the city completes its canvassing process, but no major challenges are expected. With the new council taking shape, Amarillo’s focus now shifts to the future: budgeting, infrastructure, and the big-picture planning that affects every neighborhood in the city.

In a city of more than 135,000 registered voters, just 51 votes decided the direction of city leadership. That margin is smaller than most high school classrooms — and it should be a wake-up call.

Local elections may not always get the attention they deserve, but they have a direct impact on roads, services, utilities, and quality of life. The Place 3 race proves that showing up — and staying informed — truly matters.

Let’s hope more Amarilloans take that message to heart next time around.