State Sen. Kelly Hancock has officially entered the race for Texas Comptroller with the backing of Gov. Greg Abbott, resigning from the Senate and being sworn in as chief clerk of the agency by outgoing Comptroller Glenn Hegar.
The move is designed to sidestep a 2002 legal opinion from then-Attorney General Abbott, which held that a sitting state senator cannot be appointed to a position requiring Senate confirmation during the term for which they were elected.
By resigning and taking on the role of “chief clerk,” Hancock avoids triggering the Senate confirmation process while still stepping into the agency’s top position for the remainder of Hegar’s term—through January 2027.
Hegar, who will officially take over as chancellor of the Texas A&M University System on July 1, praised Hancock as his successor.
“Kelly is a great fit to serve as the chief financial officer of Texas,” said Hegar. “He helped shape sound financial policy and authored the state’s conservative spending cap legislation. He brings a deep respect for the taxpayers of this state, a strong background in both business and public policy, and a steady hand to any office he holds.”
Launching his campaign shortly after being sworn in, Hancock touted his experience and record in the legislature.
“For over a decade, I’ve fought for Texas taxpayers in the Legislature, cutting red tape, passing conservative budget reforms, and holding government accountable,” said Hancock. “As Comptroller, I’ll make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely, transparently, and responsibly.”
He also highlighted his work on border issues, saying, “As Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Border Security Committee, I worked alongside Governor Abbott and President Trump to help build the Texas border wall, support Operation Lone Star, and stop illegal immigration.”
However, his record has concerned conservatives.
In 2023, Hancock was one of only two Republican senators who sided with Democrats to attempt to remove Attorney General Ken Paxton from office following his impeachment trial. During this most recent legislative session, he was one of seven Republican senators who voted to water down Senate Bill 19—intended to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying—by supporting an amendment that exempted organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards from the ban.
Gov. Greg Abbott quickly endorsed Hancock, citing his experience, commitment to school choice, and ability to win a general election.
“I endorse Kelly Hancock for Comptroller for many reasons; I will mention just three here,” said Abbott. “First, the new Comptroller has the daunting task to implement the largest day-one school choice program in America. Kelly Hancock brings the most experience and proven commitment to that cause. … Second, the Comptroller needs to know how business and finance works — in the state and at a business. … Third, I endorse Kelly Hancock because I want a candidate who will actually win the election, not someone who has already lost an election to a Democrat.”
That last line appeared to be a jab at former State Sen. Don Huffines, who lost his seat in 2018 and has already declared his campaign for comptroller.
“The political elite are manipulating the system to install another go-along-to-get-along lap dog as State Comptroller, because they know President Trump’s DOGE-style transparency would expose everything. But they don’t just fear me. They fear you—the taxpayers, the grassroots. And they should. The conservative base in Texas is wide awake, fed up, and ready to take back control. And they know we will win,” said Huffines, pointing to endorsements from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Charlie Kirk, Riley Gaines, Ron Paul, and a majority of the State Republican Executive Committee.
Another declared candidate, current Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, responded by pointing to her statewide record.
“No matter who else enters the race, I’ll put my record up against anyone,” said Craddick. “I’m the only candidate in this race with statewide experience and a proven record running one of Texas’ most important agencies, cutting red tape, generating billions in revenue from oil and gas, and delivering results that fund our schools, roads, and first responders.”
She added: “Republican primary voters are some of the most educated in the nation and they know what proven conservative leadership looks like.”
Additionally, Hancock’s planned tenure as chief clerk raises constitutional questions.
Some observers have pointed to Article XVI, Section 40 of the Texas Constitution, which prohibits legislators from holding other civil offices or being employed by the state during their elected term. Though Hancock has resigned, his replacement will not be sworn in until after a special election is held—meaning he may technically remain under the constitution’s “holdover” clause in the meantime.
The Republican primary for comptroller will take place in March 2026.
A special election will soon be called by Gov. Abbott for Hancock’s Senate seat.
