For the first time in nearly four decades, voters in Texas House District 86 will elect a new state representative. Republican Holly Jeffreys and Democrat Cullin Knutson are competing for the open seat in the November 3 general election, giving voters across seven Texas Panhandle counties a choice about who will represent them in Austin.
The race marks a significant political transition for the district, which has been represented by Republican John Smithee since 1985. Smithee is not seeking another term, opening the door for new leadership in a region where agriculture, water, education and rural healthcare remain major concerns.
District 86 includes Armstrong, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Hartley, Oldham, Parmer and Randall counties. The winner will serve a two-year term in the Texas House of Representatives.
Holly Jeffreys: Republican
Republican Holly Jeffreys enters the race with a background in healthcare, higher education and local school governance.
Jeffreys serves as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A&M University. A nurse practitioner, she has helped establish rural healthcare clinics in communities including Panhandle, Boys Ranch, Bushland and Claude.
She also served nine years as president of the Bushland Independent School District Board of Trustees.
Jeffreys has made protecting the Panhandle's water resources a central part of her campaign. Water availability remains a critical issue for agricultural producers and rural communities, particularly as the region faces long-term concerns about groundwater supplies.
On education, Jeffreys emphasizes parental authority and local control. Her campaign priorities include protecting parents' ability to make decisions about their children's education and resisting government mandates that she believes could negatively affect rural schools.
Property taxes are another major focus. Jeffreys supports eliminating school property taxes and lowering the age at which homeowners qualify for a property-tax freeze from 65 to 55.
She also advocates limiting regulations that could burden farmers, ranchers and other rural businesses.
Her campaign presents her experience in healthcare and education as preparation for addressing the challenges facing smaller communities across the district.
Cullin Knutson: Democrat
Democrat Cullin Knutson is seeking to give District 86 a different political direction while emphasizing issues affecting working families and rural communities.
Born and raised in Amarillo, Knutson graduated from Amarillo High School before attending Texas State University, where he earned a political science degree in 2014.
His professional background includes roadway construction, sales, asphalt and paving management, and work with the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission.
Knutson has identified public education funding as a leading priority. His campaign supports increased investment in public schools, an issue that has generated considerable debate in the Texas Legislature over school funding and education policy.
Healthcare access is another central issue. Knutson supports expanding Medicare and Medicaid programs, arguing for policies that would improve access to medical services, particularly in underserved rural communities.
On economic issues, Knutson supports increasing Texas' minimum wage to at least $15 per hour. He also advocates equal pay, workplace protections and comprehensive paternity leave.
Knutson has emphasized the importance of ensuring that rural Texans have a voice in state government, particularly when lawmakers consider policies affecting infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities.
His campaign seeks to connect with voters who believe the district needs a greater focus on public investment and the financial pressures facing working families.
Key Issues Facing District 86
Although Jeffreys and Knutson approach several issues differently, both are campaigning in a district where rural concerns often shape political priorities.
Water remains one of the most important issues facing the Texas Panhandle. Farmers, ranchers, businesses and communities depend on reliable supplies, making water conservation and resource management significant topics for the next legislative session.
Education is another dividing line. Jeffreys emphasizes parental rights, local control and property-tax relief, while Knutson focuses on increasing public school funding.
Healthcare could also influence voters. Both candidates bring perspectives on rural healthcare challenges, although their proposed approaches differ.
Economic development, infrastructure improvements and the future of agriculture are additional concerns for communities throughout the seven-county district.
A New Chapter for District 86
The contest also highlights the political challenge facing Democrats in a region with a strong Republican tradition.
Jeffreys is seeking to maintain Republican control of the seat, while Knutson hopes to persuade voters that a change in party representation would better serve the district.
Regardless of the outcome, District 86 will have a new representative when the Texas Legislature convenes in 2027.
Early voting begins October 19 and continues through October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
