Johnny Tijerina says that he is considering challenging Mayor Ginger Nelson for her seat in 2019.
Tijerina, an employee at Green Chile Willy's and paralegal student at Amarillo College, told the Amarillo Pioneer on Monday that he is considering running for mayor in 2019 against the incumbent Nelson. Tijerina says that he is considering running because he believes that he will be the best worker for all communities in Amarillo.
"Well, I believe Amarillo is being taken advantage of," Tijerina said. "I think if we worked to become closer as a community more participation would follow. We need family brought back front and center."
The Amarillo resident that he plans to promote new community engagement and events for families in the city. Tijerina also said that he wants to run to preserve Amarillo for his two children.
Tijerina says that he is "95 percent sure" that he will run and is currently testing the waters for a bid.
Johnny Tijerina is the fourth candidate to publicly state that they are considering running for mayor in 2019. Gordon Miller, a retiree from the Bureau of Land Management; Parker Robertson, a construction worker; and Waylon Walker, the CEO of Walker-Mong Opportunity Ranch, have all stated that they are considering running in 2019.
Candidates can file to run in January of 2019. The election will be held in May.
Photo by Tijerina