A new statewide survey of likely Republican primary voters shows Don Huffines holding an early lead in the Texas GOP primary for Comptroller, though public favorability data suggests a large share of voters remain undecided about all candidates.
The January poll, conducted by Stratus Intelligence, surveyed 815 likely Republican primary voters across Texas between January 16 and January 18 and carries a margin of error of ±3.5%.
A January 2026 statewide survey of 815 likely Republican primary voters conducted by Stratus Intelligence shows Don Huffines leading the GOP primary for Texas Comptroller | Image via Stratus Intelligence
According to the results, Huffines leads the field with 40% support, followed by Christi Craddick at 15% and Kelly Hancock at 7%. Roughly 32% of respondents said they remain undecided.
Name Recognition And Early Support
The survey found Huffines entering the final stretch of the primary with strong statewide recognition among GOP primary voters. Polling data shows Huffines with 84% name identification and a +34 net favorability rating, giving him an early advantage as voters begin focusing on the race.
The former State Senator entered the Comptroller’s race with solid grassroots support after years of dedicated activism and strong connections with various statewide activist groups and clubs. He also benefits from already being familiar to Texas voters as a result of his well-financed 2022 Gubernatorial campaign, which featured prominent billboard ads across the state.
Huffines has also been publicly endorsed by a number of prominent Republicans nationally, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), the late Charlie Kirk prior to his assignation, Riley Gaines, and North Texas Congressional Reps Brandon Gill (TX-26), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), and Keith Self (TX-3), and others.
Stratus researchers also reported that Huffines leads across major demographic categories, including age, gender, education level, and Republican voter type, indicating broad early support within the primary electorate.
Favorability Data Points To Room For Growth
At the same time, separate public polling suggests that many voters are still forming opinions about the candidates.
According to December 2025 data from The Texas Politics Project, a majority of respondents reported having no opinion or insufficient familiarity with each of the leading Republican contenders.
Additionally, The Texas Politics Project found that 51% of respondents said they did not know enough to form an opinion of Huffines, compared to 62% for Hancock and 56% for Craddick.
Political analysts often view high “don’t know” numbers as a sign that late-stage campaigning, advertising, and voter outreach can still influence the outcome as primary voters begin paying closer attention.
Campaign Resources Add To Early Advantage
Recent campaign finance filings also show significant differences in the candidates’ campaign resources.
According to Texas Ethics Commission reports covering the period from July 1 through December 31, 2025, Huffines reported approximately $11.77 million in cash on hand, alongside $15.25 million in outstanding campaign loans, reflecting substantial self-funding.
Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock reported $7.08 million in cash on hand, while Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick reported $2.83 million, with neither campaign listing outstanding loans.
As The Dallas Express has previously reported, campaign finance filings show significant differences in how the candidates have funded and structured their campaigns heading into the primary.
Race Enters Final Stretch
With several weeks remaining before the March Republican primary, the data suggest Huffines enters the final stretch with advantages in name recognition, early ballot support, and campaign resources.
However, the large share of undecided voters indicates the race remains fluid, with all candidates still seeking to define themselves as voter attention intensifies.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts serves as the state’s chief financial officer, responsible for revenue forecasting, tax collection, and oversight of billions in public funds — a role that has taken on increased significance amid record state budgets and ongoing debates over fiscal accountability.
