With Comptroller Glenn Hegar set to take over as chancellor of Texas A&M University later this summer, Gov. Greg Abbott is now tasked with appointing his replacement—someone who will serve out the remainder of Hegar’s term through January 2027.
Among the names floated at the Capitol is State Sen. Kelly Hancock (R–North Richland Hills), though his record in the Senate has raised concerns among grassroots conservatives and some of his colleagues.
Hancock drew ire in 2023 as one of only two Republican senators who voted with Democrats to remove Attorney General Ken Paxton following his impeachment trial.
More recently, during the 2025 legislative session, Hancock was one of seven Republican senators who voted to gut Senate Bill 19—legislation that was supposed to enact a statewide ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying, a top priority of the Republican Party of Texas.
The amendment added to the bill exempted organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards from the prohibition.
In response, the Texas GOP passed a resolution condemning the amendment to SB 19 that Hancock supported, accusing them of undermining the will of the party’s grassroots and codifying taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas.
Despite the backlash, sources at the Capitol say Hancock is actively vying for the appointment, which could grant him an advantage if he seeks a full term in 2026.
Abbott has not yet signaled who he will choose to fill the vacancy, though an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the race for comptroller in 2026 is already taking shape. Former State Sen. Don Huffines and current Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick have both declared their campaigns for the Republican nomination.
Hegar will take the position as chancellor on July 1.
Hancock did not respond to a request for comment.
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