Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed former state Sen. Don Huffines as Texas comptroller, placing the Dallas-area Republican in charge of the state’s finances before the November election. The Don Huffines Texas comptroller appointment takes effect Aug. 1.
Huffines will replace Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who is stepping down at the end of July. Huffines is also the Republican nominee for a full term as comptroller.
Don Huffines Texas Comptroller Appointment Begins Aug. 1
Abbott announced the appointment on July 2, saying Huffines has the business background and conservative record needed for the office.
The Texas comptroller collects state taxes and fees, manages state funds, oversees unclaimed property and provides revenue estimates used by lawmakers to write the state budget.
The office also plays a key role in tracking state spending. That makes the comptroller one of the most important financial positions in Texas government.
Huffines previously represented Senate District 16 in Dallas from 2015 to 2019. He also co-founded Huffines Communities, a real estate development company in North Texas.
A Former Abbott Rival Returns to Office
The appointment marks a political shift between Abbott and Huffines. Huffines challenged Abbott from the right in the 2022 Republican primary for governor.
Their relationship later improved after Huffines won the 2026 Republican primary for comptroller. He defeated Hancock, who had Abbott’s support in that race.
Huffines now enters the office months before voters decide who will serve a full term. In November, he is set to face Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt of Austin.
Eckhardt criticized the appointment and argued it gives Huffines an unfair advantage before the general election. Republicans have framed the move as a way to fill the office after Hancock’s resignation.
Comptroller Will Oversee Major State Programs
The timing matters because the comptroller’s office has several major responsibilities this year. One of the biggest is the rollout of Texas’ new school voucher program.
The program, formally known as Texas Education Freedom Accounts, gives eligible families public funds for private school, homeschooling and other education expenses.
Huffines has supported school choice policies and is expected to continue backing the program. The comptroller’s office will help manage implementation under state law.
The office will also continue overseeing revenue estimates, audits and financial reporting as lawmakers and state agencies prepare for future budget decisions.
Huffines Promises Lean Government
In Abbott’s announcement, Huffines said his goal is to run government lean and protect taxpayer dollars.
That message fits his campaign platform. Huffines has called for cutting waste, increasing government efficiency and using savings for property tax relief.
Supporters see him as a strong fiscal conservative with private-sector experience. Critics argue his appointment is political and gives him the power of incumbency before voters decide the race.
Either way, the appointment puts Huffines in a highly visible statewide role. His early months as comptroller could shape both state finances and the November campaign.
For Texans, the office affects taxes, state spending and public accountability. The next few months will show how Huffines uses the post and how voters respond.