In the lead-up to Saturday’s mayoral election, we will be profiling some of the past leaders of Amarillo who have served as mayor, some of their accomplishments, and their place in Amarillo history.

Former Amarillo Mayor Jerry Hodge (center) during a gift meeting with Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2021. Hodge would donate $5 million to the school for its Jerry and Margaret Hodge Pharmacy and Rural Health Center/Photo by Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Jerry H. Hodge served as Amarillo mayor after being elected in 1977, defeating Mayor John C. Drummond, who was seeking re-election.

Hodge’s election in 1977 came after serving two terms on the Amarillo City Commission. In 1973, Hodge defeated Katie McDonough in a runoff to win a seat on the City Commission and then went on to easily win re-election in 1975. Hodge’s election as mayor made him the youngest mayor in the history of Amarillo.

Voters approved of Hodge’s tenure in office in 1979, re-electing him over challenger Franklin Jeffers, 74-26%. Hodge would not seek re-election to another term, and was succeeded in office by Rick Klein.

After Hodge left office, he would go on to serve on a number of boards and commissions, including some state boards. Hodge also became a major Republican donor, contributing to the candidacies of numerous Republican political candidates. His backing of Republicans included his role in the creation of a super PAC that supported Dr. Ronny Jackson’s campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020.

Hodge would attempt a political comeback locally in 2005, losing the mayor’s race to Debra McCartt, 51-42%.

Outside of politics, Hodge, a pharmacist and businessman, would be recognized by Texas Tech University, when the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy was named for him in Amarillo. Additionally, Hodge’s name would appear on several other buildings and projects, including the Hodgetown ballpark in downtown Amarillo.

Today, Hodge still resides in Amarillo.