Former Potter County Justice of the Peace Richard Herman is exploring a bid for outgoing U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry’s seat, Herman confirmed this week.

In an interview with the Amarillo Pioneer, Herman said he is exploring running for Thornberry’s seat in the 2020 Republican primary race. Herman said he is exploring a run for the seat because he wants to support President Trump.

“Our country ain’t going the right way. We are about to impeach the President for something that he hasn’t even done,” Herman said. “That’s bullshit.”

In addition to supporting Trump, Herman also said he plans to prioritize mental health research, job creation, agriculture, defense spending, and securing the U.S.-Mexico border. Herman also says he plans to make himself more accessible as a congressman for rural parts of the Panhandle, if elected.

“Why can’t we have a sub-office in Vernon so that people in those rural counties have someone to go to with their concerns,” Herman asked. “It will make their congressman more accessible.”

Herman is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served as the Justice of the Peace for Potter County’s Precinct 2 in 2015-2019, winning his first election by knocking off Democratic incumbent Judge Nancy Bosquez. He also launched a bid for the Amarillo City Council in 2019, dropping out before the start of voting to endorse Place 2 candidate Hayden Pedigo.

Herman joins Cooke County Judge Jason Brinkley and Amarillo City Councilwoman Elaine Hays in exploring a bid for the seat. Jason Winegarner, Monique Worthy, and Vance Snider have launched bids in the Republican primary and Democrat Greg Sagan is also running.

Candidates will begin filing for spots on the ballot next month.