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On May 28, 2024, Republican voters in Potter County will decide the only runoff on the ballot — the race to replace Judge Doug Woodburn in the 108th District Court. Two candidates emerged from the pack to claim their spots in the runoff and will be vying for voter support to claim the Republican nod.
Here’s a look at the two candidates and what we know about both.
Tim Pirtle
Tim Pirtle/Photo by Creative Cannon
Fast Facts:
Age: 58
Law School: University of Mississippi
Current Law Firm: Law Office of Timothy Pirtle
Licensed Since: 1990
Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Family Law, Personal Injury Litigation
Tim Pirtle was the top vote getter in the first round on March 5, 2024, earning the support of around 29 percent of voters. Behind during absentee and early votes, Pirtle was boosted into the runoff thanks to a strong showing among election day voters, where Pirtle won around 31 percent of votes cast.
Pirtle’s platform has focused mostly on his dedication to protecting children and his pledge to support collaboration among Amarillo’s district judges. This pitch has been evident in Pirtle’s advertising, as a recent mailer for the candidate described Pirtle as, “the only candidate who gets along with everyone.”
According to Transparency USA, Pirtle has raised just over $25,000 for his campaign, with his top contributor being the Teamsters 577 DRIVE Fund, which contributed $2,000. Pirtle has also received the maximum individual contribution amount — $1,000 — from several donors, including Chris Pirtle, Diana Hathaway, Jess Sheets, Joe Soliz, Kirby Curry, Mike and Liz Hughes, Pullen Law, Richard Ware, Corky Roberts, Vincent Nowak, William Ware, and the 212 Club LLC.
Sam Brown Silverman
Sam Brown Silverman/Photo by Creative Cannon
Fast Facts:
Age: 61
Law School: University of Houston
Current Law Firm: Samuel Brown Silverman, Attorney at Law
Licensed Since: 1988
Practice Areas: Criminal, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Wills-Trusts-Probate
Sam Brown Silverman was the second-place finisher in the first round of voting, winning 26 percent of the vote. Silverman steadily increased his vote share through election day and ended up edging out the third-place finisher, Joe Marr Wilson, by 93 votes, according to unofficial tallies.
The child of two attorneys, Silverman has highlighted his long legal career throughout his campaign, which has included stints practicing in both Texas and New York. Silverman’s platform has focused on being a self-described constitutional conservative. Silverman says that he believes recent national events have highlighted the importance of electing conservative judges and he believes he is the most conservative candidate in the race.
According to Transparency USA, Silverman has raised $3,895 for his campaign so far. His top contributor has been Randy Tooley, who contributed $700. Silverman also received $500 contributions from Tom Roller, David C. Hesse, and David Timm. Along with these contributions, Silverman has also loaned his campaign $15,000.