Voters in Precincts 1 and 3 in Potter County will cast their ballots in contested County Commission contests next year.

In 2020, Commissioners H.R. “Sgt” Kelly and Leon Church will be up for re-election. Both Republican incumbents were re-elected in 2016 — Kelly was unopposed in Precinct 1 and Church cruised to re-election against a single opponent in the Precinct 3 Republican primary. However, Church has decided to retire this year, kicking off a primary race for what is arguably the most Republican-leaning seat in the County. Kelly also surprised most observers by filing for re-election for his seat after Republican activists were reportedly seeking candidates to run for what was expected to be a vacant spot.

For Precinct 1, Kelly will face one challenger in his primary thus far, coming in the form of firearms instructor Ayvrie Dixon. This will be the first time Kelly has faced a primary challenger since first being elected to his seat.

In Precinct 3, two Republicans have signed on to run for the chance to succeed Church. Retiree George Buchenau, Jr. and Sheriff’s Office captain John Coffee are running for the seat.

No Democrats or Libertarians have filed for either seat.

Candidates can file for spots on the ballot through December 9.