Cole Stanley | Photo by Noah Dawson
Amarillo City Councilman Place 1 Cole Stanley announced a run for mayor this morning before a large crowd at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Stanley was first elected to City Council in 2021. Since joining the council, Stanley's fiscal conservatism has often put him at odds with other council members, especially Mayor Ginger Nelson. Stanley has been especially critical of plans to renovate the Civic Center and replace City Hall, both of which he feels were rejected by voters in 2020.
Mayor Nelson announced late last year that she will not seek another term, leaving the race open. So far, Councilwoman Place 2 Freda Powell, truck drivers Tonya “Lady Butterscotch” Winston and Sam Burnett, and former teachers Jeffrey McGunegle and Don Collins have filed to run.
Businessman Alex Fairly, who sued the city to halt issuance of tax anticipation notes to fund Civic Center renovations, had considered a run for the office, but announced earlier this month he would instead back Stanley.
The deadline to file is Friday, February 17th at 5:00 pm. Be sure to regularly check AmarilloPioneer.com for the latest news about the upcoming May 6th election.