By Idella Thomas-Jackson

The year 2020, unlike any other year, has given me a new perspective on why I am more than grateful for this Thanksgiving. The challenges, defeats, and overwhelming support are all contributing factors.

This journey of ultimate gratefulness started @ 6:00 PM on December 9th, 2019, the last day for candidates to file for placement on the 2020 Primary Election Ballot. By the end of the evening, it was revealed I drew, not just one but two Republican Opponents for the position of Potter County Constable Precinct 4 which I have held for the past 7 years. It was later discovered neither opponents possessed the knowledge, experience nor training needed for the position they were seeking. The Republican chairman had started a secret campaign to un-seat the two Democrat incumbent Constables, not because we weren’t doing our job properly, but because he felt we committed the ultimate sin of being on the Democratic ticket.

The journey to re-election 2020 began! The first three months before the 2020 primaries consisted of gathering campaign material, collecting donations, attending candidate forums, and talking with constituents. During the primaries, I was unable to debate the only Republican candidate who attended the different forums, and who later became the nominee for the Republican Party. The second Republican Candidate, we called “Ghost Candidate” because he failed to campaign or attend any of the candidate forums. Shortly after the start of the primaries, it was discovered one of my opponents had filed for placement for two different positions on the 2020 ballot — Precinct Chair as well as the Constable’s position. This is a violation of Election Code Title 9 Candidates, Ch. 141. Candidacy for Public Office Generally, Sub Chapter A. Eligibility for Public Office.

Once this information was obtained it was immediately addressed through the courts via a lawsuit led by a great attorney who provided his services pro-bono. My attempt to address the violation was unsuccessful due to loopholes that were found by the defense attorney, justifying my opponent’s ability to remove himself from the initial position he applied for. This was a blunt attempt to cheat to win an election. The Republican chairman tried to make it appear my inquiries were only due to me not wanting anyone to run against me. His analysis was far from the truth. I believe, if I as a candidate have to comply with all the rules to qualify for placement on the ballot, my opponent should be held to the same standards. I welcome any competition because it keeps me humble and holds me accountable for my actions as well. Although I was dealt a loss from the lawsuit, I did not let that deter me from my mission, securing the win in the general election. The opponent who was named in the lawsuit went on to win the Republican primaries by a small percent of the votes.

Shortly after the March primaries COVID-19 hit the area like a thief in the night, causing mass confusion and eventually causing a citywide lockdown. The months-long effects of COVID-19 affected my ability to campaign and fundraise. Although my fundraising ability was limited, I was still able to obtain funds through donations from individuals who believed in my campaign and my ability to do my job effectively. Their donations helped allowed me the opportunity to purchase material such as yard signs, push cards, t-shirts, etc. I am forever grateful for not only the financial support but the physical support as well. I was able to do some grassroots campaigning which was accomplished by a team of individuals who committed their time and efforts to ensure my re-election. They took time from their families to walk blocks, knocking on doors, delivering push cards and yard signs. I am forever grateful for heir commitment and dedication to the process. Without their tireless efforts, I wouldn’t have been able to make contact with as many constituents as we did. So many individuals supported me by displaying my yard signs in their yards for advertisement. For that, I am grateful as well. My heart is filled with joy by the overwhelming support from the community in which I serve!

Due to COVID-19, I was unable to participate in any physical forums leading up to the general election. I ensured I participated in many virtual forums and interviews and answered any questionnaires about my candidacy. My opponent declined to participate in any debates or forums he was invited to. Not allowing the voters the opportunity to hear why he felt he was the better candidate for the job and what his plans were for the position of Constable Precinct 4 if elected. Being a Constable requires you to be a Peace Officer for the State of Texas, which he does not possess.

On another note, another reason why I am more grateful than usual this year is that on May 21st, 2020, God blessed me with grandson #4 by my one and only daughter. His entry into the world was unique because he arrived 6 weeks earlier due to his mother developing a rare condition call Preeclampsia, which caused her blood pressure to skyrocket. COVID-19 again interrupted the process by not allowing me the ability to be by her side during this time of crisis.

This was her first child at 31 years old and she wasn’t able to have her mother by her side. I assured her all would work out for the good, by the Grace of God my grandson son was delivered without any complications, weighing in at a mere 4lbs 9oz. Today he is 6 months weighing in at 16lbs. Seeing him now, you wouldn’t know he’s been through what he has unless you know his story. Thank God he doesn’t look like what he’s been through, he’s such a precious little guy.

On November 3, 2020, I won my bid for re-election for Potter County Constable Precinct 4. The people spoke and allotted me the opportunity to continue serving for another 4 years. Not only did COVID-19 affect my ability to fully campaign and be by my daughter's side during the delivery of her first child, but several days after winning, four of my loved ones contracted COVID-19, devastating my entire family. Not knowing the outcome, we all went into quarantine for over 14 days. We prayed for the outcome to be nothing less than a full recovery.

God answered our prayers, all affected recovered, with only one experiencing server symptoms, not requiring hospitalization.

In conclusion, after reading my experiences in 2020, I hope you all can understand why I am more than grateful for this Thanksgiving. Be Blessed!!

Idella Thomas-Jackson is the incumbent Precinct 4 Potter County Constable.