The following are the complete and unedited responses submitted by the candidate listed below to the Amarillo Pioneer’s Candidate Questionnaire.
Jeffreys/Photo via campaign
Name: Holly Jeffreys
Office Sought: State Representative, District 86
Party Affiliation: Republican
Age: 51
What is your educational background? Please list any degrees or certificates earned and any institutions attended.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, West Texas A&M University
Master of Science in Nursing, West Texas A&M University
Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Texas, Texas Medical Center, Houston
National Board Certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional
What is your occupation?
Business owner & Dean - CONHS WTAMU
If you are a business owner, please list the business or businesses that you own. (If this question is not applicable, please note that below.)
Founder and Owner, Panhandle Family Care, Bushland Coffee Co., KHJ Associates.
Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, religious, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
* Board Member, Texas Association of Rural Health Clinics
* Board Chair, Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation
* Advisory Board Member, Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center - serving 95 counties across Texas
* Texas Board of Nursing Advanced Practice Advisory Committee
* BSA Health System, Board of Directors
* NWTHS, ACO Board
* Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Graduate Nursing Education Task Force - Governor Healthcare workforce task force. * President, Texas Dean and Director of Professional Nursing Programs * Lt. Governor Healthcare Advisory Committee
* Texas Nurse Practitioners, Policy Chair and Legislative Ambassador * Volunteer EMT, Oldham County * Coalition of Health Services - serving the top 32 counties of Texas
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
No. Past Board President, Bushland ISD Board of Trustees.
If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
www.holly4tx.com
Facebook: Holly Jeffreys for Texas House
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2026?
I’m running because the people of the Texas Panhandle deserve someone who understands our communities, works to build solutions to problems, and brings experience to the table. My entire life has been grounded in service: growing up in Amarillo, raising a family here, building rural health clinics, opening small businesses, and working at WTAMU to lead the team that trains the next generation of healthcare workers. I see problems and build solutions.
I love the Texas Panhandle. I was raised here, I built my career here, and spent my life working to solve problems that directly affect people in this region, especially in rural communities that often go overlooked. When Rep. Smithee announced his retirement, I felt called to step up and serve. Much of this job is work I’m already doing: building solutions to problems that affect the people of HD 86. I want to bring leadership experience, common sense, and true conservative values to Austin and be a voice for the communities I lived in, worked in, and continued to fight for my entire adult life.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
Protect our Texas Panhandle conservative values: limited government, lower taxes, and traditional Republican values.
Support property tax relief that benefits homeowners and businesses to address the rising cost of living.
Protect property rights and reliable water for future generations.
What is your position on taxpayer-funded lobbying? Please explain.
Taxpayer-funded lobbying should be closely scrutinized. Local entities must have a voice in Austin, but that voice should come with transparency and accountability. I will work to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that advocacy efforts truly reflect the values of the people footing the bill.
How should the legislature go about delivering further property tax relief? Please explain.
We need changes that reduce the burden on homeowners and businesses.
What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
Workforce shortages across all sectors, such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades are quietly threatening the future of our Texas Panhandle communities. I’ve led workforce development efforts and worked with regional teams to help recruit and retain professionals. In Austin, I’ll bring practical solutions that support career training, post secondary education for jobs that require a degree, and job growth in every corner of District 86.
Do you have any notable endorsements you would like to highlight for voters? If this question is not applicable, please write N/A.
Current HD 86 Representative John Smithee, former Rep. Four Price, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, Retired Randall County Sheriff Joel Richardson, multiple Panhandle County Commissioners, Texas Hospital Association
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
I have spent my life working in the very communities that make up this district. I’ve opened health care clinics in towns that had no access to care. I’ve led faculty at West Texas A&M to educate the next generation of healthcare workers. I’ve served on boards that make decisions impacting our hospitals, our businesses, and our workforce. I’ve built thriving businesses from the ground up. I know how to get things done. I don’t grab a microphone to complain; I collaborate with others and build solutions. The Texas Panhandle deserves someone with experience, a collaborative temperament, and a heart for service. I’m ready to serve and would be honored to earn your vote.