Quackenbush/Photo by Quackenbush Law Firm
Local attorney Jesse Quackenbush has filed a treasurer appointment in anticipation of a potential campaign for State Senate in Texas’ 31st District.
According to filing information with the Texas Ethics Commission, Quackenbush filed his treasurer appointment with a designation as a candidate for State Senate in District 31, which stretches from Amarillo to south of the Midland-Odessa area. Incumbent Republican Sen. Kel Seliger (Amarillo) is not seeking re-election after nearly two decades in office.
Quackenbush has over 30 years experience as a personal injury and criminal defense attorney, according to his website. He is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center.
Last year, Quackenbush made headlines after opening the Big Beaners restaurant in Amarillo. The restaurant, which generated controversy and opposition from local civil rights groups, eventually closed several months after its opening.
If Quackenbush does enter the race for State Senate, it will not be his first campaign for the seat. He ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the seat held by Seliger in a seven-candidate special election in 2004 to replace then-Sen. Teel Bivins. Quakenbush finished last in the field with 2 percent of the vote, missing the threshold for the runoff that was eventually won by Seliger.
Quackenbush is the third candidate to file a treasurer appointment for the seat this year. Coahoma ISD Trustee Stormy Bradley and Midland businessman Kevin Sparks — both Republicans — have also filed appointments to run for the seat. Sparks has arguably gained the most traction in the race, having been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
Official candidate filing for the seat will begin on Saturday, November 13.