Embark on next Chapter
By Nathan Diebenow
MANAGING EDITOR - Clifton Record Tribune
Original article published Sept. 11, 2025
Alonzo "Al" Poteet III, a decorated Army veteran and longtime public servant, has stepped down as chairman of the Bosque County Republican Party to launch his candidacy for Bosque County Judge in the upcoming GOP primary.
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Poteet formally submitted his resignation to the county executive committee on Sept. 2, effective Sept. 9, coinciding with the party's "Kat Wall Meet & Greet" event in Clifton. He will face incumbent Judge Cindy Vanlandingham in the March 3, 2026 Republican primary election. In his letter, Poteet described his nine months as party chair as both an "honor and privilege," but said it was time to "turn the page and embark on the next
chapter" of service.
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A young Al joins the army to fight in the Vietnam war, becoming a Warrant Officer and receiving a Bronze Star with Valor
Poteet brings to the race an extensive resume of military, federal, and private sector leadership. A combat-disabled Army veteran, he served two tours in Vietnam as a Cobra gunship pilot with the 7/17th Cavalry and 82nd Airborne Brigade, earning the Bronze Star with Valor, the Air Medal with Valor, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
After his service, he held senior executive posts in the Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush administrations, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He later directed VA regional offices in Waco, Oakland, and Alaska, managing budgets exceeding $60 million and more than 400 employees.
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In Alaska, he helped launch the Alaska Federal Healthcare Partnership, an award-winning joint venture among the VA, Department of Defense, and Indian Health Service.
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Poteet also worked in the private health sector, serving as CEO of Humana Veterans Healthcare Services, and has been active in civic life since retiring to Bosque County, including as president-elect of the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton.
Poteet was appointed to lead the Bosque GOP after serving as a precinct chair. During his tenure, he emphasized building a "dynamic team" within the county executive committee, oversaw the launch of the party's annual Sporting Clays fundraiser, and led efforts to censure District 13 State Rep. Angela Orr over what he described as her lack of communication with constituents and divergence from Republican values and priorities.
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In his resignation letter, he praised incoming party chairman Hank Dawson and vice chairman C.R. Sinderud as "superb" Republicans who would carry forward the party's momentum.​
Poteet also underscored his continued support for the GOP, explaining that resigning was the proper "resign to run" step to avoid any perception of favoritism. Asked why he decided to run for county judge, Poteet told the Clifton Record Tribune he was motivated by a sense of duty and concern about the county's future. Quoting fallen Iraq War Marine 1st Lt. Travis Marion, he said, "If not me, then who?"​
Poteet (Top Right) has been an avid supporter of the Bosque GOP and praised incoming chairman Hank Dawson (Top Second Left)
Poteet cited frustration with the Bosque County Commissioners Court, which he criticized for opaque meeting agendas, lack of discussion in public meetings, and inadequate communication with the local taxpayers. He point- ed to ballooning property taxes and "excessive" cost-of-living increases for elected officials as issues demanding reform. He also raised concerns about uncoordinated growth, tax abatements for energy projects, and infrastructure shortfalls.
"I believe it is time for some fresh eyes and new leadership to not only listen to the citizens of Bosque County but act aggressively on their behalf," Poteet said. " Progress is headed this way and we had better be prepared to manage it and not let it control us."
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If elected, Poteet said his priorities would include restoring transparency and taxpayer trust, holding regular town hall meetings, and developing a comprehensive county master plan for long-term growth. He pledged to align county employee pay adjustments with Social Security cost-of-living increases, oppose further solar farm projects, and advocate for infrastructure improvements in water, roads, and emergency services.
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He also highlighted his management experience overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and large staffs, saying those skills prepared him to bring accountability and efficiency to county government.
"My strong suit is budget development, management, and execution as well as achieving significant cost-savings for taxpayers while improving services," Poteet said.
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Poteet and his wife Miriam live in Bosque County with their rescue dog, Miss Sadie Mae. Poteet acknowledged that many aspects of Bosque County are "right" but insisted that leadership must be proactive in preparing for growth. His vision emphasizes balancing economic development with preserving the county's rural beauty and character.
"The future of Bosque County demands our best effort and experience to navigate the growth that will come our way," Poteet said. "We can either be prepared for that eventuality, or we will simply be forced to react with limited options."