An influential conservative political action committee based in Amarillo is throwing its weight behind one of the three Republicans running to replace Precinct 4 Randall County Commissioner Buddy DeFord next year.

On Saturday, Save Amarillo PAC announced its endorsement of retired Amarillo Police Department Captain Tam Boatler in the race to replace DeFord. The group called Boatler an advocate for “keeping taxes low and government small” in its endorsement.

Boatler is the first candidate to be endorsed by Save Amarillo PAC ahead of the upcoming 2022 election cycle. The group has notably been responsible for successful campaigns to defeat a $275 million bond election in Amarillo in 2020 and a 24 percent tax increase ratification in 2021.

In the race for the Randall County Commissioner seat, Boatler is facing Michael D. Grady and Melissa Kalka for the Republican nomination. The winner of the Republican nomination will not face an opponent in the November general election.