A few weeks prior to the 2016 election, Sid Miller’s political prospects soared as he received a notable endorsement from then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Michigan. Trump described Miller, Texas’s top agriculture official, as a “great guy” and acknowledged his loyalty and support in the Lone Star State, highlighting his iconic white cowboy hat.
Following Trump’s initial victory, he endorsed Miller for reelection in both the 2018 and 2022 primaries, where Miller secured comfortable wins. Trump referred to him as his “man in Texas,” and speculations arose that Miller was being considered for the position of Agriculture Secretary in the Cabinet if Trump were to win a second term in 2024.
Now, as Miller campaigns for a fourth term as agriculture commissioner, overseeing Texas’s second largest industry, he faces unprecedented challenges. The three-term incumbent finds himself positioned as the underdog in his own primary race against Nate Sheets, a former supporter turned critic, who has raised three times as much in campaign funds since the beginning of 2025. In a concerning development for Miller, Trump has remained noticeably silent during this crucial election cycle, while other Republican officials have openly criticized him, accusing him of corruption and ineffectiveness.
Adding to Miller’s troubles is Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a key figure in the Republican landscape, who has publicly stated that Miller does not deserve another term. During a recent conservative radio show appearance, Abbott labeled Miller an “utter failure” in his role as Agriculture Commissioner and pointed out character flaws that he believes reflect poorly on Texas.
Miller’s tenure has not been without controversy. During his first term, he faced investigations from the Texas Rangers and was fined by the Texas Ethics Commission for allegedly misusing public funds for personal travel, including a trip for a controversial medical procedure known as the “Jesus shot.” Although he repaid the funds, he was never criminally charged.
In his second term, Miller’s political consultant, Todd Smith, was indicted on charges of commercial bribery and theft related to the sale of hemp licenses regulated by Miller’s agency. While Miller was not implicated in Smith’s wrongdoing, he still went on to win his third term without significant issues.
However, frustrations among his GOP colleagues seem to be mounting. After Smith pleaded guilty, Miller appointed him as chief of staff at the Department of Agriculture, raising eyebrows due to Smith’s legal troubles. Reports have also emerged indicating that Miller allegedly asked a former friend to dispose of marijuana products after learning of federal investigations, alongside multiple complaints from department staff concerning his relationship with Smith. Miller defended his decision to hire Smith, dubbing the criminal case against him as “Democrat lawfare.”
In his endorsement of Sheets, Abbott asserted that Texans deserve an Agriculture Commissioner focused on advancing Texas agriculture, with a strong stance against criminality.
Despite these challenges, Miller still possesses the advantages of incumbency and established relationships with farmers statewide, making him a formidable candidate as the primary approaches. He maintains connections with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the current president, factors that could bolster his campaign.
In his defense, Miller argued he remains the best candidate, claiming his opponent lacks hands-on agricultural experience. He downplayed Abbott’s criticisms, suggesting personal animosity from the governor, and hinted at potential undisclosed support from Trump.
Amidst the political turmoil, Miller highlights his achievements in office, such as launching the AgriStress Hotline for mental health support among farmers, initiating the Farm Fresh Initiative to connect local farmers with schools for fresh produce, and expanding marketing programs for Texas-made products.
However, support from farmers and ranchers has diminished, with some expressing dissatisfaction over Miller’s response to crises like the 2024 Panhandle fires and his decision to increase fees across agricultural sectors. The Texas Farm Bureau, representing over 500,000 farming families, and the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, with more than 28,000 members, have thrown their support behind Sheets.
Some lawmakers, both current and former, have also distanced themselves from Miller, including state senators and representatives who have publicly endorsed Sheets. Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham criticized Miller’s conduct, stating that his actions jeopardized the agency’s mission and integrity.
Miller expressed surprise at Buckingham’s remarks, noting their past acquaintances and interactions. Historically, Miller has faced scrutiny from legislators since he took office in 2014, particularly regarding fee increases for various licenses and registrations, which he justified as necessary following budget cuts.
In 2019, legislation was passed to transfer oversight of fuel pumps from Miller’s agency to the Department of Licensing and Regulation, citing a need for more effective regulation. In the wake of Smith’s legal issues, the Legislature also imposed a travel expenditure cap on Miller, limiting state funds for his travel, a restriction that was unique to him among agency heads.
Nate Sheets, the Republican challenger, is a former supporter of Miller who has since become critical of his focus on cultural issues rather than agricultural concerns. Sheets, a ranch owner and honey company founder, claims that Miller’s attention to non-agricultural matters has neglected the needs of farmers and led to a decline in their numbers.
Miller has painted Sheets as a risky alternative, questioning his political experience and agricultural knowledge. Despite raising significantly more funds than Miller in the lead-up to the primary, Miller continues to receive endorsements from some officials, albeit with less vocal support than in previous campaigns.
Frustrations with Miller’s leadership have been voiced by ranchers like Lee Wells, who criticized Miller’s lack of support during natural disasters and his dismissive responses to inquiries. Tensions escalated after a social media exchange where Miller reportedly told a concerned pastor to “jump in a lake” regarding the distribution of disaster aid.
With the looming threat of the New World Screwworm endangering Texas’s cattle industry, Miller has been vocal about the issue but has faced sidelining in the official response efforts, as Governor Abbott has assigned other agencies to lead the initiative. Critics, including Wells, argue that this indicates a lack of confidence in Miller’s leadership at both state and federal levels.
