The 2026 Republican primary for Potter County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 features two candidates: incumbent Robert J. Taylor and challenger Alex “AJ” Casias. Both bring different backgrounds, experiences, and priorities to the position.
Robert J. Taylor
Robert J. Taylor, 70, is the current Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2 and is seeking re-election after seven years in the role. His educational background includes two associate degrees from Amarillo College — one in Criminal Justice and another in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration — along with extensive law enforcement and justice-related training totaling several thousand hours.
Taylor’s career has centered on public service. In addition to his current judicial role, he has been involved in numerous civic and community organizations. His service includes participation in neighborhood planning efforts, cemetery board leadership, youth and family-focused committees, and professional associations tied to law enforcement and the justice system. He has also held leadership roles within the Potter County Deputy Sheriff's Association and serves on the board representing Region 1 for the Texas Justice of the Peace and Constables Association.
In outlining his goals for another term, Taylor has identified improving the collection of court fines and fees, continuing consistent application of justice in court proceedings, and maintaining strong training standards for court staff as top priorities. His campaign centers on continuing operational progress made in the office and maintaining transparency and accessibility for the public.
Taylor’s campaign messaging emphasizes long-term experience in handling the wide range of responsibilities assigned to a Justice of the Peace, including civil claims, administrative duties, and death inquests.
Alex “AJ” Casias
Alex “AJ” Casias, 27, is an engineering support professional entering the race with a background in political and community involvement. His education includes studies at Amarillo College in general business, civil engineering coursework at West Texas A&M University, and project management studies through Arizona State University.
Casias has been active in local Republican Party organizations since 2019. His roles have included leadership positions within youth conservative groups and administrative positions within the Potter County GOP. He has also served as a precinct chair.
Outside of politics, Casias is involved in church leadership, currently serving as president of a men's group and participating in a church relations committee.
If elected, Casias has identified fairness, accessibility, and teamwork as guiding priorities for the office. His campaign highlights an interest in strengthening communication with residents and ensuring that court operations remain efficient and responsive to public needs. He has also pointed to transparency in court operations as an area he believes deserves increased attention.
Casias presents his candidacy as an opportunity for updated approaches to leadership and collaboration within Precinct 2.
Overview
The race presents voters with a choice between an incumbent with long-standing experience in the justice system and a younger challenger emphasizing organizational engagement and modernization. Both candidates have highlighted fairness and public service as central to their vision for the role of Justice of the Peace.
