State Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo) has thrown his weight behind one of the two Republicans running to replace him in the Texas House.

On Wednesday, Holly Jeffreys announced that she had won the endorsement of Smithee in the House District 86 race. The move is likely to shake up the race, as Jeffreys now has the backing of the Panhandle’s longest serving lawmaker.

Jeffreys, an educator and medical professional from Canyon, is facing off against Jamie Haynes in the Republican primary for the seat. Haynes, an activist and real estate business owner, previously ran against Smithee in 2024, losing in the Republican primary.

The winner in the race between Smithee and Haynes will face Democrat Cullin Knutson in the general election.

The Republican primary will be held in March 2026.