The following are the complete and unedited responses submitted by the candidate listed below to the Amarillo Pioneer’s Candidate Questionnaire.
Name: Jessi Barrientos
Office Sought: Potter County District Clerk
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Age: 40
What is your educational background? Please list any degrees or certificates earned and any institutions attended.
Bachelor of Arts, English; Master of Library & Information Science
What is your occupation?
Executive Assistant
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.)
n/a
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.
Co-director - Neature Creature Nonprofit
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
No I have not previously held office.
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.
VoteForJessiB.com; Facebook page: Jessi Barrientos for Potter County District Clerk; Instagram: @DearestAmarillo; LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/AskJessiB
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2026?
Until recently, my career has centered around community service. I made a career shift in 2023 and have since looked for new opportunities where my skills for customer and community service, strategic thinking, lean process development, data analysis, and team development and leadership can make a positive impact locally. I also believe that competition in local elections results in better outcomes for the community. I hope that conversations sparked between the community, myself, and the incumbent I face will raise awareness and knowledge.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
While there is much to learn, some of which may require a priority shift, I plan my top priority to be ensuring a smooth transition into the role, while creating as little negative impact for community members and court employees as possible. It is imperative to keep the essential functions of the role moving forward. Next, as a manager new to the team, I will work on aligning team culture with County values and my own management style. Then, the team can address resident service needs.
It is important to come into the office ready to listen and learn. As a leader and manager, I strive to avoid assumptions until I have a chance to review input from stakeholders and identify gaps and issues with processes. Gaps and pain points in services and procedures will become apparent once trust is built with both the internal team and the Potter County community.
What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
I believe that this should not be a partisan elected position. It is an essential and technically skilled role. Potter County residents can experience serious repercussions if court records and processes are not secure and legally sound. Whether I am elected or not, I hope to raise understanding of the importance of County elected roles and awareness for how partisanship is harmful in this type of local election.
Do you have any notable endorsements you would like to highlight for voters? If this question is not applicable, please write N/A.
n/a
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
10+ years working in city government, helping neighbors;
10+ years guiding amazing teams and getting things done;
14 years of professional experience in information organization, access, and security;
Always focused on community first.