Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s New Role Triggers Campaign Announcements
AUSTIN — News that Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is the sole finalist to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System triggered campaign announcements Friday from Republicans hoping to replace him as the state’s top accountant.
Texas Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick and former state senator and gubernatorial candidate Don Huffines announced their candidacies minutes after Hegar’s selection was announced.
The Process of Replacing Hegar
It is unclear when Hegar would vacate the post. The A&M regents must wait 21 days after naming a finalist to vote on the matter.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to appoint a replacement until the office appears on the statewide ballot for another four-year term in 2026.
Role of the Comptroller
The comptroller of public accounts serves as the state’s financial steward, acting as tax collector, accountant, revenue estimator and chief treasurer. The most critical duty is developing the state’s biennial revenue estimate, which tells lawmakers how much money they can spend on state business each budget cycle.
Hegar served in the Texas House and Senate before he was elected comptroller in 2014.
Candidates Announce Their Intentions
No Democrats had come forward early Friday to announce their intentions to run. Texas statewide offices have been dominated by Republicans for three decades.
Craddick, a native of Midland, has been on the elected three-member Railroad Commission for 10 years. The agency oversees the state’s vast energy sector, which generated $27.3 billion in taxes and royalties last year, according to a Friday statement from her campaign. Craddick’s career before public office focused on energy, water, tax and environmental issues.
“Public service is in my blood, and ensuring Texas remains strong is my top priority,” Craddick said. “It has been a great honor to earn the trust of Texas voters over the years, having run statewide successfully three times.”
Huffines is a businessman who represented a Dallas-area district for one term in the Texas Senate 10 years ago. The firebrand conservative unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Greg Abbott in the 2022 Republican primary. He said Friday he is committing $10 million to his candidacy because “Texas taxpayers deserve a Comptroller who fights for them — and I’m in it to win it.”
“The state of Texas spends more than $450 million a day, seven days a week,” Huffines said in a campaign statement. “Right now, wasteful spending runs unchecked — Texans deserve a watchdog, not a rubber stamp.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the announcement of Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar as the sole finalist to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System has triggered a series of campaign announcements from Republicans hoping to replace him. The role of the comptroller is crucial in managing the state’s finances, and the candidates are eager to take on the responsibility. As the election approaches, it will be interesting to see how the candidates’ campaigns unfold and who will ultimately take on the role of comptroller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the current Texas Comptroller?
A: The current Texas Comptroller is Glenn Hegar.
Q: What is the role of the Texas Comptroller?
A: The Texas Comptroller serves as the state’s financial steward, acting as tax collector, accountant, revenue estimator, and chief treasurer.
Q: Who are the candidates running for Texas Comptroller?
A: The candidates running for Texas Comptroller are Christi Craddick and Don Huffines.
Q: When will the election for Texas Comptroller take place?
A: The election for Texas Comptroller will take place in 2026.
