A major shakeup has hit the Republican primary race for Texas agriculture commissioner, with Gov. Greg Abbott endorsing challenger Nate Sheets over incumbent Sid Miller.
“Nate is a principled leader, who is committed to fighting for the best interests of Texas agriculture, upholding the rule of law, and restoring integrity to the Office of the Commissioner,” Abbott said in a statement.
Abbott praised Sheets as a “Texas-first trade candidate” who is “laser-focused on producing clean food for Texans and strengthening labor security to protect our border and our ag economy.”
“Texans deserve an Agriculture Commissioner who is focused on promoting Texas Agriculture, with zero tolerance for criminality,” Abbott added. “Nate Sheets is the true conservative champion for the job and is the leader we need to keep Texas the global powerhouse in agriculture.”
Sheets, a Navy veteran and businessman who built Nature Nate’s Honey into a national brand, is challenging Miller ahead of the March primary.
The endorsement is particularly notable given Miller’s long-running criticism of Abbott throughout his tenure, especially over the governor’s handling of COVID-19.
Miller has faced a challenger in each re-election race since first winning the office more than a decade ago, and allies within Abbott’s political orbit have often helped fuel those efforts.
But this marks the first time Abbott has officially endorsed one of Miller’s opponents.
Abbott’s announcement also comes as an increasing number of conservative organizations that previously supported Miller have backed Sheets this cycle, and recent campaign finance reports show Miller slipping in fundraising.
“Governor Abbott understands what’s at stake,” Sheets said in a statement following the endorsement. “Agriculture is not a side issue—it is foundational to our economy, our health, and our security as a state and as a nation. When food systems fail, everything else becomes vulnerable.”
He added: “I’m honored to have Governor Abbott’s support and I look forward to working together to fight for Texas agriculture and for farmers’ and ranchers’ future economic success, restore trust in our food system, and ensure Texas remains strong, healthy, and secure for generations to come.”
A spokesperson for Miller told Texas Scorecard the campaign had “nothing to add” following the endorsement.
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