Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Republican comptroller nominee Don Huffines to serve as Texas comptroller following Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock’s resignation.
Huffines, a former state senator from Dallas, will take office Aug. 1.
“Don Huffines brings the right mix of business experience and conservative principles to this vital office,” Abbott said. “He is a fifth-generation Texan, successful businessman, and proven conservative leader who puts taxpayers first. His private-sector experience and dedication to limited government make him exceptionally qualified to lead the state’s finances and protect every taxpayer dollar with integrity and accountability.”
“I’m honored by the trust Governor Abbott has placed in me,” said Huffines. “My commitment is simple: run government lean, protect every tax dollar, and keep Texas the best place to live, raise a family, and run a business.”
Hancock announced Wednesday that he will resign effective July 31 after serving for a year as acting comptroller. He said the state had reached key milestones in rolling out the Texas Education Freedom Account program before he decided to step down.
Hancock became acting comptroller last year after former Comptroller Glenn Hegar left office to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Before departing, Hegar named Hancock chief clerk, allowing him to automatically assume the duties of acting comptroller under state law. At the same time, Hancock launched a campaign for comptroller.
Huffines, however, won the Republican nomination for comptroller earlier this year in a four-way primary with 57 percent of the vote.
The appointment comes four years after Huffines challenged Abbott in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary.
As comptroller, Huffines will oversee the collection of state taxes and fees, management of state funds, the state’s unclaimed property program, and certification of the state budget.
Huffines is facing Democrat Sarah Eckhardt in the November election.
