With Comptroller Glenn Hegar set to become the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, the race to replace him is already well underway—nearly a year before the primary elections.
Two Republicans have launched early campaigns for the post: Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick and former State Sen. Don Huffines.
Craddick, who was first elected to the Railroad Commission in 2012, said she’s running to bring the same principles of efficiency and effectiveness to the comptroller’s office.
“For more than a decade, I’ve served on the Railroad Commission of Texas charged with ensuring our energy sector is safe, responsible, and thriving. We have managed our work with efficiency and transparency,” she said. “At the heart of all good government, good business and fiscal responsibility is one simple fact: Don’t spend money you don’t have.”
She pointed to reforms made under her leadership, including an overhaul of the agency’s IT system that cut down permitting times significantly.
“In some cases, operators can receive a permit within 48 hours. In contrast, many federal permits can take over 12 months,” Craddick noted.
Huffines—who ran a high-profile primary challenge against Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022—is once again pitching himself as the grassroots outsider ready to shake up state government.
“For years, I have traveled across Texas, speaking with grassroots conservatives about liberty and fiscal responsibility,” Huffines said. “Everyone I spoke with, from the Katy Republican Women to the Tarrant County Republican Party, wants to see DOGE brought to Texas. Well, I am going to do just that.”
Led by Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has already seen success at removing waste in federal spending.
“As comptroller, I will bring President Trump’s DOGE to state government and ensure that Texans have complete transparency on how their hard-earned money is being spent,” Huffines said.
Huffines is also pledging not to take a salary, pension, or other taxpayer-funded perks if elected.
“I am a businessman, and I refuse to become a cog in the machine,” he said. “As Comptroller, I pledge that I will not take a penny of government money for a salary, travel reimbursements, health care, or pensions. When I served in the Texas Senate, I didn’t take a penny from the taxpayers. I will do the same as comptroller to ensure that I am 100% accountable to the citizens of Texas.”
Asked about the difference between himself and his opponent, Huffines said, “I am the only candidate in this race with a proven track record of exposing government fraud, waste, and abuse and shutting it down. I audited and shut down a North Texas government agency. I got six crooks put in prison for stealing tens of millions of taxpayer dollars.”
Craddick, meanwhile, emphasized her experience managing a high-stakes agency tied directly to the state’s financial success.
“I have successfully led one of the most critical agencies in our state for more than a decade,” she said. “Oil and gas generates billions for our state. In 2024, the Texas Oil & Gas Industry made history yet again by generating $27.3 billion in state and local taxes and royalties. I have worked to preserve freedoms and promote our ongoing prosperity while serving as capable stewards of our natural resources and the environment.”
Both candidates stressed the importance of the comptroller’s office, which serves as the state’s chief accountant, treasurer, and revenue estimator.
“Right now, all funds considered, Texas spends around $500 million a day, seven days a week,” Huffines said. “I will be a watchdog for Texans in the Comptroller’s office, exposing waste, fraud, and abuse in government so we can then fight to return as much of the money as possible to Texas taxpayers.”
Craddick echoed the importance of the role, saying the comptroller “is responsible for safeguarding taxpayer funds, managing billions of dollars in state investments, holding agencies accountable for spending, and plays a key role in the state’s budgeting process.”
While Craddick’s campaign has yet to roll out endorsements, Huffines has unveiled a lengthy list of supporters in just the past two weeks, including Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill, and groups like Texas Right to Life, Texas Gun Rights, and the Republican Liberty Caucus of Texas.
The primary election will likely be set for March 3, 2026. While the field could still grow—especially once Gov. Greg Abbott appoints an interim comptroller to fill Hegar’s seat—the early battle lines are already being drawn.
