Come January 2027, two brand new commissioners will join the Commissioners Court, alongside a new county judge. While the County Judge and Commissioner Precinct 4 races are set to be decided in the November general election, voters in Precinct 2 already know who their next commissioner will be next year.

Here’s a look at the man taking the Precinct 2 place on the Commissioners Court, and what residents might expect from their new representative.

Jeff Raef won the Republican primary for County Commissioner in Precinct 2 in the March primary election, defeating incumbent Blair Schaffer, 51-49%.

A lifelong Amarillo resident, Raef attended Palo Duro High School. After graduation, he started his own business in the city — Raef’s Hardwood Flooring — becoming a leader in flooring services throughout the Panhandle. During his 25 years as the owner of Raef’s Hardwood Flooring, Raef says he learned the importance of discipline, reliability, and integrity.

Recently, Raef decided to step away from the family business to begin a new career as a truck driver. Raef said this experience reinforced his belief that Amarillo’s working class community needs a strong representative working for them at the courthouse.

While this campaign was Raef’s first venture as a political candidate, he was previously a Republican precinct chairman in Potter County for several years. In addition, Raef is deeply involved in his church and previously held several volunteer leadership roles within the Boy Scouts of America.

Raef and his wife, Tammie, raised their family in Amarillo. Their family is dedicated to public service, with his daughter recently completing her medical education and his son serving in the Armed Forces.