The Amarillo Tribune reported that 28 employees left the Potter County District Clerk's office from 2021 through its August 2025 article, which described an alleged toxic work environment. The county reached a confidential settlement in May 2025. The paper first reported the cost at around $120,000 and said it has since learned the total, including claims and payroll expenses, is over $280,000.
Incumbent Stephnie Menke faces challenger Jessi Barrientos on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. Barrientos told the Tribune that the paper's article about the office inspired her to run, and that Democrats were looking for a candidate. Former employees told the paper they came forward because they did not want the current officeholder reelected.
The Tribune said Menke did not comment before the 2025 article was published. The paper later interviewed her for this year's coverage.