In an effort to inform voters about the candidates running for office, background information on key figures in the Texas General Land Office race is being shared. This initiative is particularly aimed at highlighting individuals with political experience or prominence in a crowded field. Voters can explore a comprehensive list of candidates on the primary ballot page, and additional details regarding the primaries and voting procedures can be found in the relevant guides and news coverage.
About the Texas General Land Office
The Texas General Land Office (GLO), established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the oldest state agency in Texas. Originally tasked with record-keeping, map provision, title issuance, and land settlement management, the GLO has evolved into a key player in state land management. Currently, it oversees 13 million acres, including 3,400 miles of coastline and tidelands extending into the Gulf of Mexico. Revenue generated from the sale or lease of this land contributes to the Permanent School Fund, which boasts assets exceeding $57 billion and distributes over $2.4 billion annually to K-12 education in Texas. Additionally, the GLO administers disaster relief aid and manages the Veterans Land Board, offering land and home loans to veterans while also overseeing mineral rights and the Alamo site.
The agency is led by an elected commissioner, serving a four-year term. Dawn Buckingham, the current land commissioner, is running unopposed within her party.
What’s at Stake
The land commissioner’s office plays a crucial role in managing billions of dollars in disaster relief and deciding funding allocations for public schools, shaping Texas’s historical narrative, and overseeing veteran services. The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has brought scrutiny to the GLO, particularly regarding allegations of inequitable disaster relief distribution to communities of color in Houston. While an initial federal investigation corroborated these claims, a subsequent review reversed the findings and closed the case, labeling the earlier discrimination assessments as flawed. The office also became a focal point of cultural controversy last year when Commissioner Buckingham criticized a social media post related to Indigenous Peoples’ Day from an Alamo Trust account, leading to an investigation and the ousting of the CEO.
Candidates at a Glance
Dawn Buckingham (Republican, Incumbent)
Campaign Finance: $2,814,830 cash on hand
Major Donors: Javaid Anwar ($100,000), Clinton Roy Sumner ($100,000), Michael Porter ($100,000)
Experience: A trained surgeon with a specialization in eyelid reconstruction, Buckingham earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. In 2016, she made history as the first Republican elected to the Texas State Senate from Travis County and was the first woman to represent Senate District 24. In 2022, she became the first female land commissioner after winning the statewide election.
Political Ideology: Buckingham is known for her conservative stance, advocating against abortion, supporting the Second Amendment, and promoting the oil and gas sector as vital for economic independence. She emphasizes low taxes and limited government, aligning with mainstream Texas conservatism while also advocating for the preservation of Texas heritage against what she describes as “woke” reinterpretations of history.
Policy Stances:
She prioritizes Texas’s energy dominance, asserting that oil and gas are essential for economic stability and national security. According to her campaign, the GLO has contributed nearly $6 billion to public education and facilitated over $1.5 billion in assistance for veterans acquiring homes. Additionally, she has been involved in border wall initiatives and disaster recovery funding, claiming the GLO has provided over $9 billion for recovery efforts and an extra $1 billion for flood mitigation projects.
In the News
Recent developments include a lawsuit from former Alamo Trust President Kate Rogers, the acquisition of two ranches near the border by Texas, and renewed discussions regarding the historical narrative of the Alamo.
Endorsements:
Prominent endorsements for Buckingham include Wayne Christian and Jim Wright, Texas Railroad Commissioners, 11 state senators, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, and various associations including the Texas Oil & Gas Association.
Jose Loya (Democrat)
Campaign Finance: $9,732 cash on hand
Major Donors: Texas Majority PAC ($12,647), VoteVets PAC ($2,000)
Experience: Loya served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2002-2008, earning U.S. citizenship during his first deployment in Iraq. He worked for 13 years at a Valero refinery and currently serves as a union representative for the United Steelworkers, focusing on veterans’ programs across several states.
Political Ideology: Loya positions himself as a pro-labor Democrat, advocating for public interests over corporate gains. He aims to enhance public school funding through GLO land revenues and emphasizes transparency in disaster relief efforts.
Policy Stances:
He opposes recent school voucher legislation, labeling it a “voucher scam” that diverts resources from public education. Loya seeks to ensure that disaster assistance is equitable and based on need rather than political affiliations.
In the News
Loya’s campaign focuses on increasing transparency within the Texas land commissioner’s office, drawing attention to the need for accountability in disaster relief.
Endorsements:
His endorsements include U.S. Representative Ro Khanna and VoteVets PAC.
Benjamin Flores (Democrat)
Campaign Finance: $67,720 cash on hand
Major Donors: Campaign Strategy Services ($2,500), Bill Naso ($13,750)
Experience: With three decades of expertise in cybersecurity, Flores has worked to safeguard local government from fraud. Originally from Mexico, he has a background in disaster response and was elected to Bay City’s city council in 2023.
Political Ideology: Identifying as a Democrat, Flores advocates for systemic reforms to combat bureaucratic inefficiencies and acknowledges the urgency of climate change in shaping Texas’s future.
Policy Stances:
Flores aims to maximize revenues for the Permanent School Fund through proper management of state lands and opposes school vouchers that he believes undermine public education. He also seeks to streamline disaster response processes and ensure support for Texas veterans.
In the News
Flores has garnered attention for his unique background as a pig farmer and his commitment to transparency in government.
