Former Randall County Commissioner Craig Gaultiere has decided against running for the Texas House of Representatives next year, he confirmed this morning.

In a text message, Gualtiere said that he decided that he would not be a candidate to replace State Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) in the open House District 87 race. Gualtiere said that he decided to publicize his decision in hopes of letting other candidates make their decisions easier.

Gualtiere, who was previously the owner of Roasters Coffee and Tea Company, served on the Randall County Commission in the 1990s. Gualtiere has since developed a reputation for taxpayer advocacy, having led a petition drive in 2021 to stop the Amarillo City Council’s planned debt issuance to rebuild Amarillo City Hall. He was one of the first potential candidates to throw their name out as a prospective candidate for Price’s seat.

For House District 87, the only declared candidate at this time is Potter County Republican Chairman Dan Rogers. In addition to Rogers, attorney Jesse Quackenbush and realtor Cindi Bulla have both filed treasurer appointments in anticipation of campaigns for the office. City of Amarillo employee Carter Estes and Perryton businessman Richard Beyea are also reportedly considering jumping into the race.

Ballot filing begins in November. The primary election is scheduled for March 5, 2024.