By Amarillo Pioneer’s Publisher’s Committee

When Republican voters head to the polls beginning on February 14, the names of eight gubernatorial hopefuls will be staring back at them. But, at this critical moment in Texas’ history, our publisher’s committee believes just one candidate is right to lead Texas.

Former State Sen. Don Huffines is running to replace Gov. Greg Abbott on a platform of being the most conservative candidate in the race. And if judged solely by records, Huffines is indeed the most conservative individual on the gubernatorial ballot. Huffines’ conservative record as a state senator was impeccable, constantly fighting for lower taxes and a more limited statewide government. Huffines also introduced legislation to bind Texas legislators with term limits and never took a penny of taxpayer money in the form of any salary or benefit as a Texas legislator. That alone is remarkable.

Huffines’ life story shows that he never intended to be a politician, but instead entered Texas politics in an effort to bring conservative values back to the forefront in our state. Huffines is the only candidate in the race for governor who can credibly say they built a multi-million-dollar corporation from the ground up, earning experience along the way that sets him apart as a potential governor who can be a friend to small business owners across our state.

Looking at the issues in this race, while Huffines has made it clear that he intends to secure the southern border and pass the conservative legislative priorities that have been left behind for so long, special attention should be given to Huffines’ plans on fiscal issues. Huffines opposes taxpayer-funded lobbying and has a plan to end property taxes in Texas without sacrificing a dime of public education funding and without creating a statewide income tax.

The Huffines plan for property taxes is the only plan put forward by any of the candidates for governor that will truly deliver much-needed property tax relief in our state.

Beyond Huffines, there a few other good individuals running for governor. Businessman Danny Harrison brings interesting ideas to the table and attorney Paul Belew brings an outsider’s approach that is so desperately needed in Austin. Our publisher’s committee also gave special consideration to comedian and businessman Chad Prather, who has built a successful homegrown media empire out of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Prather has the right ideas on many of the issues facing Texans, but has struggled to gain the kind of traction necessary to be a formidable threat to Abbott’s third term in office.

It is worth noting that many Texas Republicans may disagree with our pick here and will once again support Abbott for re-election. However, before voting, we encourage those Republicans to consider for a moment Abbott’s failure to pass a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying during eight years in office, his willingness to bow down to big city mayors who oppose property tax relief, and his inaction on the issue of rising property taxes in our state.

Abbott has sat back while cities, counties, and school districts have run taxpayers over. And if he is unwilling to fix this issue — and all indications are that he does not intend to take any action to deliver relief to the taxpayers of this state — then he needs to be replaced. Luckily, Huffines is just the man to replace him.

We recommend Don Huffines for Governor in the March Republican primary election.

Early voting runs February 14-25. Election Day is March 1.

Please note: A publisher’s committee endorsement does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Amarillo Pioneer’s advertisers or staff. An endorsement of one candidate in a primary does not represent a criticism of other candidates running unless otherwise stated. Endorsements may be offered in additional primary races.