Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner announced Tuesday, Nov. 4 she will not seek re-election after serving more than a decade as the county’s top elected official and more than 35 years in county government.
Tanner said she will complete her third four-year term, remaining in office through Dec. 31, 2026.
In a Facebook post, Tanner said her decision came “after much thought and prayer,” calling her time in office “the greatest honor” of her professional life. She noted that when she was first elected in 2014, she became the first woman to hold the position in the county’s history.
“Every day since, I have tried to lead with integrity, compassion and deep commitment to the people who call Potter County home,” Tanner wrote.
During her tenure, Tanner oversaw major projects including the construction of the Potter County Law Enforcement Center, completed in 2018, and the new District Courthouse, a five-story, 158,000-square-foot facility that opened earlier this year with updated technology and enhanced security.
Tanner said her proudest accomplishment has been helping secure a new state mental health hospital for Amarillo — a decades-long goal for the region that she worked toward throughout her time in office.
She credited several state leaders for their support, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Sen. Kevin Sparks, and former State Rep. Four Price, whom she said was instrumental in drawing early attention to the Panhandle’s need for expanded mental-health resources.
“He’s helped Potter County with many things, especially mental health,” Tanner said. “Even after leaving office, his work continues to make a difference.”
The hospital, scheduled to open in 2026, will allow local law enforcement to transport patients in minutes instead of driving hours to Wichita Falls — a change Tanner said will transform how the region responds to mental-health crises.
“It’s important for this area,” she said. “That’s one of the things I’m the most proud of.”
Tanner said her decision not to run again stems from a desire to spend more time with her family after decades in public service.
“I’ll be 75 in September,” she said. “I think I’ve done enough in Potter County. I want some time to myself and time with my grandkids.”
Before being elected judge, Tanner spent 20 years as an assistant to former County Judge Arthur Ware and five years in the county attorney’s office.
Tanner said she hopes to leave the county “better than she found it,” and that her years of service have been defined by one goal: helping people.
“The people I’ve been able to help — especially the mentally ill — that’s what makes me the happiest,” she said. “Always be kind. Always be considerate. Always be truthful. And always know where you came from.”
The Texas primary elections will be held March 3, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026.
Potter County Commissioner John Coffee said on social media that he is considering a run for county judge.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Tanner to retire at end of third term after 35 years in county service
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
