The Republican primary race for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 in Potter County is shaping up as a contest between three candidates with distinct professional backgrounds and perspectives on judicial service. Amanda Mayfield, Lisa DeVries, and Bryan Tackett are each seeking to succeed longtime officeholder Judge Debbie Horn, who is expected to retire at the end of 2026.
While all three candidates emphasize fairness, accessibility, and service to the community, their qualifications and priorities reflect different paths to the bench.
Amanda Mayfield: Legal Experience and Court Continuity
Amanda Mayfield brings a career rooted in the legal system. She earned her law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1993 after completing her undergraduate studies at Baylor University in 1989.
Her professional experience spans more than two decades working in judicial environments. Mayfield has served in roles within a district clerk’s office, private law firms, and as a briefing attorney for both federal and state appellate courts. Her work has included criminal law, post-conviction constitutional habeas corpus review—including death penalty cases—as well as civil administrative matters such as Social Security disability appeals.
In recent years, Mayfield’s work has included handling debt claims in justice courts and estate administration. Outside the courtroom, she has also held leadership responsibilities in business and property management, serving as chief financial officer of a construction company and working as a landlord, leasing agent, and real estate developer.
Her civic involvement includes serving as an election judge and as a condemnation commissioner for the county, along with leadership roles in nonprofit and youth organizations.
Mayfield’s campaign centers on legal expertise and operational continuity. She highlights her familiarity with court systems and docket management, noting that judicial efficiency and consistency in rulings are key priorities. She has also expressed interest in improving access to court services through updated forms and potential electronic filing options for litigants.
Mayfield frames the role of Justice of the Peace as one focused on impartial application of the law rather than policymaking. Her stated approach emphasizes fairness, respect, and resolving disputes in ways that reduce unnecessary court intervention when possible.
She has also indicated a desire to continue the accessibility and community-oriented approach associated with Judge Horn’s tenure.
Lisa DeVries: Law Enforcement Perspective
Lisa DeVries enters the race with nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement, including service with the Potter County Sheriff's Office.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from West Texas A&M University and is a licensed peace officer through the Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy.
DeVries describes her candidacy as a continuation of public service in a new capacity. Her campaign messaging focuses on courtroom fairness, efficiency, and responsiveness to community needs.
Her top priorities include:
Managing minor criminal and civil cases efficiently
Ensuring accessibility to court services
Upholding transparency and accountability
DeVries also emphasizes the everyday functions of the Justice of the Peace role, including officiating marriages and presiding over inquests, portraying the office as a key point of connection between residents and the judicial system.
One issue she has identified as important is school truancy. She has expressed interest in collaborative approaches involving schools, families, and social agencies to address underlying causes such as poverty or health challenges, with an emphasis on support rather than solely punitive measures.
DeVries presents her law enforcement background as preparation for maintaining order, fairness, and organization in court operations.
Bryan Tackett: Community and Business Experience
Bryan Tackett offers a different professional pathway, rooted in business, ministry, and civic engagement.
He holds a Bachelor of Theology and maintains licenses in insurance and financial services. His career includes work in insurance and financial advising, and he describes himself as a longtime business owner.
Tackett’s civic involvement includes participation with the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce business council and leadership roles such as president of the Lions Club. He has also served as a GOP precinct chair.
His motivation for running centers on expanding his community service into a judicial role. Tackett’s stated priorities include:
Addressing truancy through early intervention
Promoting fiscal and judicial transparency
Improving communication between the court and the public
He also points to experience as a chaplain, pastor, and coach as shaping his perspective on conflict resolution and guidance during difficult life situations.
Tackett frames his candidacy around practical, real-world experience in dispute resolution and contract management from his time in business, along with a service-oriented approach drawn from ministry work.
Shared Themes and Contrasting Approaches
Although their backgrounds differ significantly, all three candidates emphasize several common themes:
Fair and impartial application of the law
Efficiency in handling cases
Accessibility to the community
Commitment to public service
Where they diverge most clearly is in the type of experience they believe best prepares someone for the role.
Mayfield highlights legal and judicial expertise, focusing on technical knowledge of court processes and legal interpretation.
DeVries underscores frontline public safety experience and community interaction through law enforcement.
Tackett points to business leadership, faith-based service, and civic involvement as foundations for sound judgment.
Each also identifies communication and transparency as priorities, though their strategies for achieving those goals differ—from procedural updates and technological access to relationship-building within the community.
Looking Ahead
With the anticipated retirement of Judge Horn, the Republican primary presents voters with a decision about the direction of the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 court.
The role handles a wide range of matters, including minor criminal offenses, civil disputes, truancy cases, and administrative duties such as inquests and marriages. As such, the next officeholder will shape not only legal outcomes but also the public’s day-to-day interaction with the local judicial system.
The race offers voters a choice between legal specialization, law enforcement experience, and community-based leadership.
