By Amarillo Pioneer Editorial Board

Texas voters will this year be electing a new comptroller. This important officeholder is essentially the chief financial officer of Texas, in charge of distributing the state’s budget. 2026 marks the first year there is an open contest for comptroller without an elected incumbent, as longtime officeholder Glenn Hegar recently resigned to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.

In the race for comptroller, four Republicans are running to succeed Hegar. They are former State Sen. and acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, former State Sen. and businessman Don Huffines, and San Antonio-based accountant Michael Berlanga.

Our Editorial Board believes the choice in this race is clear: Don Huffines is the best choice to be Texas’ next financial leader.

Huffines, an accomplished former legislator and successful businessman, knows a thing or two about balancing a budget, making payroll, and making ends meet as a business owner. Huffines started working in the family business, greasing cars for $2 an hour. After earning a business degree from the University of Texas, Huffines put his business acumen to work by starting his own business with his brother, Phillip. The company they founded, Huffines Communities, is now one of the largest real estate development firms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

In 2014, Huffines was elected to the Texas Senate and developed an unrivaled record of conservative legislative achievement. His voting record and authored bills earned him a reputation as one of the most conservative senators in the state. Notably, Huffines did all of this without ever taking a penny of taxpayer money as part of any salary or pension. He didn’t do this work for the money — he did it for the love of Texas.

Now, Huffines is running for comptroller with plans to modernize government, advance conservative budget priorities, stop corruption, and keep Texas dollars in Texas. His platform has earned him the endorsements of numerous respected conservative leaders, including U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, Sen. Ted Cruz, former Sen. Rick Santorum, and former U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert. Huffines also earned the endorsement of the late activist Charlie Kirk, an important and rare badge of honor.

Throughout this campaign, Huffines has called himself the MAGA candidate for comptroller, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. Huffines’ long list of conservative endorsements, and from those close to President Donald Trump, shows that he has the trust and backing of many in the conservative community.

Texas voters are lucky to have a candidate like Don Huffines putting his name in the hat to serve our state. It’s time to put him to work for the taxpayers of Texas, as the one true conservative champion in this race.

We recommend Don Huffines for Texas Comptroller.

Early voting runs from February 17 through February 27. Election Day is Tuesday, March 3.

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