Former Mayor Paul Harpole has shown up again in the 2023 election cycle, this time endorsing a longtime ally for a seat on the Amarillo City Council.

According to a list of endorsements published this week by Amarillo City Council Place 4 candidate Les Simpson, Harpole has added his name to the list of those endorsing the former newspaperman. In addition to Harpole, Simpson has also announced endorsements from former Amarillo Mayor Jerry Hodge and former Canyon Mayor Quinn Alexander.

Simpson, who served as publisher of the Amarillo Globe-News, had a working relationship with Harpole while the former media professional served on the board of Downtown Amarillo Inc., an organization that was responsible for downtown advocacy. In addition, Simpson also served on the board of the Amarillo Local Government Corporation, which was responsible for overseeing many aspects of the downtown catalyst project.

This latest endorsement just adds to Harpole’s already growing list of campaign involvements this year. As we previously reported, Harpole has already financially contributed to mayoral candidate Freda Powell and City Council candidate Katt Massey. In addition, Harpole is serving as treasurer for the campaign of incumbent Amarillo College Regent Michele Fortunato, who is seeking re-election this year.

Simpson is currently facing three opponents in the race to replace retiring Councilman Howard Smith — Marine Corps veteran Hobert “Gunny” Brown, activist Claudette Smith, and former Amarillo Parks and Recreation Board Chairman John Ingerson.

Election Day is May 6.