Potter County Commissioners Court set for significant turnover after primary elections

Potter County is preparing for major changes in its Commissioners Court following Tuesday’s primary elections. Three of the five seats on the court will be held by new officeholders starting in 2027, signaling a significant shift in local leadership.

In the Republican primary for Precinct 2, challenger Jeff Raef narrowly defeated incumbent Blair Schaffer by 17 votes, securing 51.3% of the vote to Schaffer’s 48.7%. With no Democratic challenger in the general election, Raef is poised to take the seat without opposition. This marks a rare instance of a county incumbent being unseated in a closely contested primary race.

Meanwhile, in Precinct 4, incumbent Democrat Warren Coble Sr. was defeated by Timothy Gassaway, who captured 55.2% of the vote compared with Coble’s 44.8%. Gassaway will face Republican Jose Perez in the general election in November. This race ensures that at least one of the two new commissioners will be determined in the upcoming general election.

The position of Potter County Judge is also set to see new leadership. Longtime Judge Nancy Tanner chose not to seek a fourth term, leaving the seat open. Republican Michelle Eggleston and Democrat Jerri Glover both ran unopposed in their respective primaries and will face off in the general election. The winner will become only the second woman to hold the office in the county’s history.

The Commissioners Court consists of four precinct commissioners and the county judge, making decisions on budget, policy, and administration across Potter County. With the retirements and election results, a majority of the court will be comprised of new officials as of January 1, 2027. This includes at least two new commissioners and a new county judge, while other incumbents will continue in their roles.

The turnover could influence the court’s approach to county policies and priorities in the coming term. Voter engagement in the primary elections played a crucial role in determining these outcomes, particularly in the narrow race for Precinct 2, where a difference of just a few votes determined the result.

Potter County is facing mounting financial pressures that are hitting county leaders hard. 

The Potter County Jail recently failed a state inspection due to overcrowding, a crisis that has already cost taxpayers about $1 million and could fuel a jail expansion project topping $200 million. 

A clerical error concerning a tax exemption to Tyson Foods has created a projected $412,000 budget shortfall, forcing county officials to reconsider spending and plan for possible cuts or adjustments next year.

As the general election approaches in November, attention will turn to the contested races for Precinct 4 commissioner and county judge. The November elections will finalize the composition of the Commissioners Court, setting the stage for new leadership and potential changes in county governance beginning in 2027.