Local firefighter Blair Schaffer is running for a seat on the Potter County Commission in 2022.

This week, Schaffer announced his campaign for the Republican nomination for Potter County Commissioner in Precinct 2. Schaffer is the only candidate to have launched a bid for the seat so far, throwing his hat into the ring to replace Democrat Mercy Murguia, who resigned from her seat earlier this year.

In an interview with The Amarillo Pioneer, Schaffer said he is running to give back to the community where he has worked and lived most of his life.

“I wanted to make sure they have good representation,” Schaffer said. “I’ve lived most of my life in Potter County and worked most of my life in Potter County. I’m willing to listen to people and work with them.”

Schaffer is a firefighter with the Amarillo Fire Department and the owner of Firehouse Fitness and Polk Street Nutrition.

Precinct 2 includes most of the eastern part of Potter County and some of the downtown area. The area had been represented by Murguia since 2011, and had previously been represented by the late Commissioner Manny Perez.

Candidates can begin filing for the seat on November 13, with filing set to end on December 13. The primary election day is scheduled for March 1.