Republican Blair Schaffer is continuing to campaign for Potter County Commissioner in Precinct 2, hoping to flip the seat red for the first time in over 30 years.

Schaffer, who is the first Republican to run for the seat since 2006, is opposing Democrat Robert Ruiz this November. Ruiz was appointed by County Judge Nancy Tanner last year, keeping the Democrat hold on the seat intact.

Prior to Ruiz, Democrats Manny Perez and Mercy Murguia held the seat that represents much of Potter County’s eastern side. Still, Republicans are hopeful that Schaffer can upset that trend to flip the seat this year. Much of the optimism likely stems from recent Republican gains in the district, including Republican Robert Taylor’s upset win in Precinct 2 in 2018 over his Democrat opponent.

Schaffer’s pitch centers around representation for the entire precinct, something he feels has been lacking in recent years.

“I will work hard for every community and all citizens will have equal access to me,” Schaffer said in a recent social media post. “I will work for and represent every neighborhood.”

Voters will decide the race between Schaffer and Ruiz on Tuesday, Nov. 8.