John Coffee Won't Run for County Judge

Potter County Commissioner John Coffee announced Sunday afternoon that he would not run for Potter County Judge.

The announcement, posted on Facebook, followed months of speculation that he would seek the county’s top job as incumbent Nancy Tanner planned her exit.

“As I looked at what a countywide campaign would require both in time and in financial commitment I had to carefully weigh those realities against my responsibilities at home and my duty to the people of Precinct 3,” wrote Coffee. “Being your Precinct 3 Commissioner is an honor I do not take lightly.”

Coffee will continue serving in his current role as Commissioner.

With Coffee not running and Judge Tanner not seeking reelection, the only candidate in the race at time of writing is attorney Michelle Eggleston.

The filing deadline for the primary election is Monday, December 8th. The primary election will be held on March 3rd, 2026. The general election is set for November 3rd, 2026.

Should Eggleston win the Republican Primary unopposed, she could still face opposition in the November general election if a Democrat, third party, or independent candidate files by the December deadline. After that point, the only other option for a prospective candidate would be to file as a write-in, with that deadline set for August 17th, 2026.