AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner announced she will not seek reelection, after serving in her position for 11 years. She will remain in office until the end of her third four-year term on Dec. 31, 2026.
Tanner made the announcement in a social media post “after much thought and prayer,” on Tuesday. She noted she has spent the past 35 years working for Potter County, including 11 as judge after she was elected in 2014.
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Her issued statement reads as follows:
Ok friends and family… this is a long post and I apologize but it needs to be done…After much thought and prayer, I have decided not to seek re-election as Potter County Judge.Serving the citizens of Potter County has been the greatest honor of my professional life. For the past 35 years, I have had the privilege of working for our county- and for the past 11 of those years, I have been humbled to serve as your County Judge. When I was first elected, I was honored to become the first woman to hold this position in our county’s history. Every day since, I have tried to lead with integrity, compassion and deep commitment to the people who call Potter County home.Together, we have faced enormous challenges and celebrated meaningful progress. We navigated the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and came through it stronger as a community. We completed a new Law Enforcement Center in 2018- a much needed, modern facility designed to help our law enforcment officers do their jobs more efficiently and safely. We also designed and completed construction of our new District Courthouse, a five-story, 158,000 square-foot facility that brings modern technology and modern security to our judges and courts which serve all the citizens of our county.I have been especially passionate about improving mental health services in our community. I was privileged to work closely with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Senator Kevin Sparks on bringing a new state mental hospital to Amarillo (which will open in 2026). This project was one of the most meaningful milestones in my time in office. I believe it represents hope and healing for many families across our region and will positively impact our Panhandle region for decades to come.I am deeply grateful to my fellow County employees, our Commissioners, and all of those who have worked along beside me to make our county the best it has ever been. It has truly been a team effort. I am also grateful to the citizens of Potter County for your trust, your support, and your patience through the challenges we’ve faced together.There is a time to lead and a time to hand over the reins. I know in my heart that now is the time for me to step aside and make way for a fresh leader—someone ready to bring new energy, new ideas, and new solutions to the big challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our county.I am hopeful for our future, and I am so grateful, Potter County, that you allowed me the privilege to serve you…