Former State Sen. Don Huffines is running for Texas Comptroller in 2026, proudly presenting himself as the “MAGA” candidate in a Republican primary that also features former State Representative/acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and long-time Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick.
Don Huffines: Backed by Prominent MAGA Figures
Huffines, a Dallas businessman and longtime conservative activist, has centered his campaign on what he calls “DOGE Texas,” a pledge to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in state government and return savings to taxpayers through property tax relief. He has touted “MAGA” endorsements from Sen. Ted Cruz, Ron Paul, Representative Brandon Gill, Matt Gaetz, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk among others while pointing to a campaign haul of more than $15 million.
Charlie Kirk said, “Don Huffines is the only candidate in this race with the courage and the track record to bring President Trump’s brand of leadership to Texas. I’m proud to stand by him.”
Huffines told DX: “President Trump didn’t just change the Republican Party, he created a movement, and I am proud to be part of it. I am the only candidate for Comptroller who has always been an America First fighter and a strong advocate for President Trump — in 2016, 2020, and now in 2024 and beyond. President Trump is my political mentor, and I will bring his brand of leadership and sense of urgency to Texas. That’s why his most trusted allies are standing shoulder to shoulder with me. Texans deserve a Comptroller who will stand with Trump, not with the swamp.”
Huffines points to his support for President Trump, citing personal donations and bundling over $1.5 million dollars in both 2020 and 2024. He was also a sponsor of the Trump-Vance inaugural committee and a Host Committee Sponsor for last October’s Trump-Vance Dallas fundraiser.
Huffines also cites over $100K in donations to the Republican National Committee between 2019 and 2024, claiming neither of his opponents show a history of donating to President Trump or Trump-related PACs. He further argues that neither Craddick nor Hancock ever publicly endorsed Trump. Hancock’s campaign countered that he stood with both President Trump and Governor Abbott at the border when the first wall panels went up and praised Trump’s business-minded leadership. Craddick’s campaign emphasized her tenure running a statewide agency but did not directly address whether she endorsed Trump.
Kelly Hancock: Abbott-Backed Acting Comptroller
Hancock, who became acting Comptroller on July 1 after serving as chief clerk, enters the race with the backing of Gov. Greg Abbott. A former state senator from North Richland Hills, Hancock emphasizes small-business experience, collaborative leadership, and transparency in overseeing the agency, which recently assumed responsibility for a $1 billion Education Savings Accounts program.
One of Hancock’s most scrutinized votes came in 2023, when he supported the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close Trump ally — a decision the Huffines campaign has already highlighted. Supporters of Hancock argue it reflects his commitment to accountability, while critics say it could cost him among Trump’s base.
Hancock’ campaign did not address Huffines’ claims that neither of his opponents publicly endorsed, personally donated or helped raise money for the Trump campaign, but in response to questions about his support for President Trump, Hancock’s campaign told DX:
“As Chairman of the Texas Senate’s Veteran Affairs & Border Security Committee, Kelly not only voted to fund the Texas border wall, he was honored to be at the border when the first panels went up, standing alongside President Trump and Governor Abbott, who strongly endorses Kelly as the best candidate for Texas Comptroller. Kelly is a small business owner who built his company from the ground up and appreciates President Trump’s business-minded, won’t-blink, never-back-down leadership for our nation, including on immigration enforcement. In fact, as Acting Comptroller, Kelly is launching the new grant program that will help Texas sheriffs coordinate with ICE to secure the border, protect our communities, and fully enforce our immigration laws.”
Christi Craddick: Established Statewide Leader
Craddick, first elected to the Texas Railroad Commission in 2012, launched her bid earlier this year. She points to more than a decade of experience running a major state agency and pledges to improve efficiency and accountability in the Comptroller’s Office. Craddick is the daughter of former Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick.
Craddick was also asked about her alleged lack of previous public endorsements of President Trump and lack of history of donating to the Trump campaign or Trump-affiliated PACs. Asked to respond, Craddick did not answer those questions directly but told DX:
“I fully support President Trump and have always continued to support him by championing his conservative policies across the state. As I’ve served, I’m proud to have had his previous endorsement in my campaign. My track record speaks for itself.”
Craddick also addressed her past statements from 2016, when she described Trump’s proposed border wall as “political season rhetoric.” She told DX: “I can tell you that I have fully supported President Trump’s policies since he began his first term. I endorse President Trump today, and I voted for him in each election every time.”
The race sets up a three-way GOP contest: Huffines, backed by national MAGA figures; Hancock, Abbott’s acting Comptroller with legislative and business experience; and Craddick, an established statewide leader. The primary is scheduled for March 2026.