Powell Announces Mayoral Campaign | Photo by Noah Dawson
Amarillo City Councilwoman and mortician Freda Powell, who has served in Place 2 since 2017, announced Wednesday morning she is running for Mayor of Amarillo.
The announcement was made at a press conference held in Council Chambers at City Hall on the same morning as filing officially began.
Powell has been a key supporter of outgoing Mayor Ginger Nelson on the council, with a voting record nearly identical to Nelson's. In particular, Powell voted in favor of the city's illegal attempt to issue tax anticipation notes to improve the Civic Center last year.
At her press conference, Powell stated that her priorities include public safety, financial stewardship, and respect for all citizens. Shortly after the press conference, outgoing Councilman Place 4 Howard Smith confirmed to The Amarillo Pioneer that Powell has his endorsement. Smith joined Powell in voting for the attempt to illegally issue tax anticipation notes last year.
Local insurance agent Don Tipps announced he is running in the now open election for Place 2 earlier this month. Powell is joining Tonya Winston and Daniel Johnson in the race for mayor. Also on the ballot will be Tom Scherlen, who is running for Place 3, and Hobert “Gunny” Brown, who is running for Place 4. Cole Stanley, the incumbent Place 1 Councilman, has also announced his intention to run again, though he has not yet made an official decision between Place 1 and Mayor.
Filing is now open for candidates for mayor and council and will be open through February 17th. Election Day is May 6th.