Michelle Eggleston Announces Candidacy

Local attorney and small business owner says it’s time for a plan to move Potter County forward

AMARILLO, Texas — “Every year I have to stand up here and beg for our existence . . . we need to have some strategic planning for the future . . . we go into everything without a plan.” Those words from Potter County Fire Chief Richard Lake during recent budget discussions struck a chord with longtime local attorney Michelle Eggleston and confirmed her decision to run for Potter County Judge. 

“I was watching that meeting,” Eggleston said, “and between what Chief Lake said and the debate over pay for our sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers, and other departments, it became clear that Potter County needs a leader who will step up and develop a detailed plan to confront our growing list of challenges head-on.” Current Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner recently announced her retirement. 

Eggleston, a lifelong Republican, conservative, and resident of Potter County for almost 20 years, has built a respected law practice alongside her husband, Jeff. As an attorney with over 30 years of experience, including more than two decades practicing in the Potter County Court, she has helped local families navigate complex legal challenges with competence, fairness, and compassion. That experience, she says, has given her a front-row view into how county government operates and how it can be improved.

“We need a clear plan for the next decade, and that plan must focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and growth,” Eggleston said. “Our jail is more than 30 years old and is struggling to meet the standards set by the state. Our sheriff’s deputies and firefighters are underpaid, and departments across the county are forced to debate how to fund the people and equipment they need. That’s not sustainable.”

Eggleston’s platform focuses on developing a long-range plan, exploring new ideas to generate additional revenue, responsible budgeting, and supporting first responders who keep Potter County safe. She believes that the same principles that make a business successful—accountability, efficiency, and stewardship—should guide county government.

“While everyone was working with good intentions, I feel like we’ve kicked the can down the road on many of the issues facing the County, and we can’t do that any longer,” Eggleston explained. “I know how hard people work to pay for their homes, feed their families, and know that it’s getting harder and harder. But, we still have to meet the challenges that we’re facing.”

Potter County is also facing a steady decline in population, which only compounds the challenges. Communities in areas like Pleasant Valley have seen school closures, while growing financial strains limit the county’s ability to invest in infrastructure and public safety. Bushland has been a bright spot of growth, but the county as a whole needs a long-term plan to address these imbalances and prepare for the future.

“Every corner of Potter County deserves attention,” she said. “I feel strongly my background positions me to lead the commissioners' court and work with every county department to ensure we’re taking care of business in the present, while planning for the next ten years.”  

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Eggleston has spent her career representing local families and businesses. She is also a small business owner who understands the importance of balancing budgets, managing employees, and being a responsible steward of financial resources.

“Potter County is my home. I love it and feel that now is the time to step up and work hard for my neighbors to make sure we’re doing everything we can to make it an affordable, safe place to live, work, and raise our families.”

Eggleston added that her campaign will stay focused on the issues. “This race isn’t about friendships or politics,” she said. “It’s about addressing the needs of our county and staying away from the rhetoric designed to distract from those issues, or play to a certain political audience.”

Eggleston and her husband, Jeff, attend the Church of Christ at the Colonies and have two adult children, Braden and Blakelee. Over the years, Eggleston has served on a variety of volunteer and nonprofit boards, including the Don Harrington Discovery Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Amarillo Education Foundation, and was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors. She currently serves on the Oklahoma Christian University Board of Trustees. Eggleston, along with her husband Jeff, have been active members in the local Republican Party for more than 30 years.