John Coffee decides against campaign for Potter County Judge

Potter County Commissioner for Precinct 3, John Coffee, announced that he will not enter the race for Potter County Judge, saying the choice came after significant reflection about the demands of a countywide campaign and his responsibilities to both his family and constituents.

In a public statement, Coffee said the decision followed “a great deal of prayer, reflection, and heartfelt conversations with my family.” He emphasized that the choice was “deeply personal” and expressed gratitude to community members who encouraged him to seek the judgeship. “Over the past several weeks, many of you have reached out with prayers, encouragement, and kind words,” he said. “Every message, every call, every positive comment has been felt and appreciated more than I can express.”

Coffee noted that the time and financial commitments required for a countywide campaign were central considerations. Balancing those demands with his existing obligations ultimately led him to conclude that remaining in his current office was the right path forward. “I had to carefully weigh those realities against my responsibilities at home and my duty to the people of Precinct 3,” his statement read. “After thoughtful consideration, I believe the best decision for my family and for my constituents is for me to continue serving in my current role.”

Coffee, who has served as Precinct 3 Commissioner through a period of ongoing infrastructure planning and intergovernmental collaboration, highlighted the progress made during his tenure. “We’ve made real progress, we’ve built strong partnerships, and we’ve laid the groundwork for continued growth and improvements across Potter County,” he said. “My heart is here, and my work is not finished.”

He closed his announcement by thanking supporters and reaffirming his commitment to the community. “To everyone who encouraged me, prayed for me, and supported me through this season of consideration thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Coffee said. “I look forward to the work ahead, and I remain committed to representing our community with integrity, transparency, and dedication.”

With Coffee opting not to enter the race, the field for the upcoming county judge election will continue to take shape as other potential candidates weigh their own decisions.