Texas Comptroller Position Opens: Craddick and Huffines Declare Candidacy
In a significant political development, Texas Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick and former GOP state Senator Don Huffines have announced their candidacies for the position of state comptroller. This announcement comes shortly after current comptroller Glenn Hegar was appointed as the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, creating a vacancy in the role.
The departure of Hegar, who has held the position for years, marks a rare opportunity for candidates aspiring to one of Texas’ important statewide offices that have remained stable for over a decade.
The Role of Comptroller
The state comptroller of Texas serves multiple essential functions, acting as the chief financial officer, accountant, revenue estimator, and treasurer for the state. Following Hegar’s exit, Governor Greg Abbott will be responsible for appointing a successor to fulfill the remaining term, which extends until January 2027. The position will be subject to reelection in 2026.
Don Huffines’ Campaign Strategy
Huffines, who previously ran against Governor Abbott in the 2022 gubernatorial primary, has pledged a substantial investment in his campaign, promising to allocate at least $10 million to secure his candidacy. He stated, “I will DOGE Texas by exposing waste, fraud, and abuse in government to increase efficiency and put every penny we save into property tax relief.”
Christi Craddick’s Background
Christi Craddick, a Republican and an attorney from Midland, has been serving on the Texas Railroad Commission since 2012 and was recently reelected for another six-year term that extends through 2030. Notably, she will retain her seat on the Railroad Commission while campaigning for the comptroller position. Craddick is the daughter of Tom Craddick, a former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
In response to her candidacy, Craddick remarked, “Serving for more than a decade as Railroad Commissioner has uniquely prepared me to help Texas build upon its momentum as the economic engine of the United States.” She emphasized her commitment to efficiency, transparency, and common-sense governance, which she believes align with Texas’ economic principles.
