Hobert “Gunny” Brown is the first candidate to announce his campaign to replace outgoing City Councilwoman Elaine Hays in 2021.

Brown, a 20-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, announced his bid for City Council on Wednesday through a press release. Putting an emphasis on issues like reforming Animal Management & Welfare and enacting single-member districts, Brown says Amarillo’s government has gone astray from its job to work for the people and he wants to help put City Hall back on the right track.

“I am running to give government back to the people of Amarillo,” Brown said.

On his website, Brown also lists issues like job creation, safeguarding tax dollars, and re-energizing North and East Amarillo and San Jacinto as his top priorities.

According to his biography, Brown joined the United States Marine Corps in 1984, and served for 20 years. During his service, he received the Purple Heart for wounds received during Desert Storm and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for Valor for his actions during Desert Storm. Since returning to Amarillo, Brown has worked as a volunteer and board member with numerous community service organizations in Amarillo. Brown is also a husband, father of four, and an alum of Amarillo College and Wayland Baptist University.

Brown is the first candidate to announce their campaign for the Place 1 seat. Outside of Brown, incumbent Howard Smith and challenger Ali Ramos have announced campaigns for City Council, Place 4. The position of mayor and the four other seats on the City Council will all be up for election this year.

Election Day is May 1, 2021. Candidates can begin filing for spots on the ballot on January 12, 2021.