Medical negotiator and former staffer for Ronny Jackson Caroline Fairly has entered the race for Texas House District 87.

“The Texas panhandle is where I found my faith which will be the foundation that informs my decisions and values,” said Fairly in a press release. “We need more leaders like that in Austin—real conservatives who won’t compromise the principles that made Texas great.”

Fairly already has the backing of Senator Ted Cruz, who stated that “Caroline is dedicated to ensuring that the Panhandle remains a strong beacon of conservative, Texan values.”

The district, which covers much of the northern Texas Panhandle, is currently represented by Four Price, who is not seeking reelection. So far, the only other candidate to have announced in the open race is realtor and Amarillo Matters PAC donor Cindi Bulla. Potter County GOP Chairman Dan Rogers had also announced a bid but pulled out of the race earlier this month. Attorney Jesse Quackenbush has also filed a treasurer appointment for the race, though he had yet to officially announce he is running.

Caroline Fairly is the daughter of Amarillo businessman Alex Fairly, who made headlines last year when he halted an attempt by then-mayor Ginger Nelson to resurrect the Amarillo Civic Center renovation project rejected by voters in 2020.

The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5th. If necessary, a runoff election will be held on Tuesday, May 28th. The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5th, 2023.