Amarillo businessman Cole Stanley has announced his intention to run for Amarillo City Council, Place 1 in May 2021.

Stanley, a local business owner, announced his intention to campaign for the seat being vacated by City Councilwoman Elaine Hays, on Friday. Stanley has been a commercial and residential builder in Amarillo since 1999.

Stanley says he plans to run for the seat due to his desire for positive growth in Amarillo.

"We live in a great city and all of us have one thing in common: we want positive growth and what's best for Amarillo and the people who live here. We're on the same team," Stanley said. "I am excited for this opportunity and want to use commonsense values to create a culture that brings all sides together and that gives small businesses a fair playing field.”

Stanley joins retired United States Marine Corps veteran and Save Amarillo PAC treasurer Hobert “Gunny” Brown, Jr. in the race for Hays’ seat.

Candidates can begin filing for seats on the City Council on January 12, 2021. Election Day is May 1, 2021.