Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Don Huffines and Sid Miller in the Republican primaries for Texas comptroller and agriculture commissioner, respectively. This endorsement comes as a significant counter to the preferences of Governor Greg Abbott, who has endorsed different candidates in these races.
On Friday evening, following an event in Corpus Christi, Trump took to Truth Social to announce his “complete and total endorsements” for Huffines, a former state senator, and Miller, the current agriculture commissioner. In his posts, he highlighted their commitment to border security, support for veterans, and the Second Amendment.
These endorsements may intensify the competition for Abbott’s endorsed candidates, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and newcomer Nate Sheets, who have lagged behind in the polls. Abbott’s interest in the comptroller race is particularly notable, as the office plays a crucial role in administering a $1 billion school voucher program that he has vigorously pursued for years.
Hancock, a close ally of Abbott, has received substantial backing from the governor’s campaign fund, with $2.6 million allocated to ads promoting his candidacy, according to recent finance reports. Abbott has commended Hancock’s leadership during the rollout of the voucher initiative. Hancock vacated his state Senate position in July to pursue the comptroller role after Glenn Hegar transitioned to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
Huffines, who previously challenged Abbott in the 2022 gubernatorial primary, has emerged as a strong contender against Hancock. The former senator has also attracted several notable endorsements, including from Senator Ted Cruz and the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In the agriculture commissioner race, Abbott has endorsed Sheets, an agricultural businessman, which marks a rare move against an incumbent and a Trump ally. Abbott has criticized Miller’s tenure as an “utter failure,” particularly in light of recent scandals.
Despite Abbott’s endorsements and campaign appearances alongside Hancock and Sheets, both Miller and Huffines continue to lead comfortably in their respective polls against the governor’s picks.
