The Texas Comptroller answers only to voters, making it one of the most independent and consequential offices in government. With over 3,000 employees, this office functions as the CFO of the 8th largest economy in the world. Its reach extends far beyond Texas, setting the standard for the rest of the nation. Only three Republicans in Texas history have ever held this office, and now conservatives have the best opportunity in a generation to bring Trump-style accountability, transparency, and reform.
That’s why the race for Texas Comptroller is emerging as a battle between America First conservatives and anti-Trump “Republican” forces. At the center is former Texas State Senator Don Huffines, a staunch Trump ally running to, in his words, “DOGE Texas government.” But behind the endorsements and headlines lies a coordinated push by anti-MAGA figures to derail Huffines’ campaign.
Huffines’ America First Credentials
Of all the candidates in the race, Huffines stands alone with a proven America First record. His endorsements read like a who’s who of MAGA leadership: Senator Ted Cruz, Charlie Kirk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Riley Gaines, Congressman Wesley Hunt, former Congressman Matt Gaetz, Congressman Brandon Gill, and, just recently, Mike Lindell. And it doesn’t end there, hundreds of conservative leaders, a supermajority of the Texas GOP’s State Republican Executive Committee, and every major conservative organization in Texas have also endorsed him.
These endorsements aren’t just symbolic. They reflect years of loyalty, sacrifice, and leadership that Huffines has consistently shown for President Trump and the MAGA movement. From endorsing Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024, well before almost any Texas officeholder, to personally contributing and raising millions for Trump, the RNC, MAGA Inc., and allied causes, Huffines has proven his commitment. His service on the Trump–Vance Inaugural Committee, sponsorship of MAGA events, and attendance at the last five Republican National Conventions demonstrate that dedication. Beyond politics, he has organized speaking tours, funded conservative nonprofits, and consistently defended Trump both in public and online.
As Charlie Kirk put it: “Don Huffines is the only candidate in this race with the courage and the track record to bring President Trump’s brand of leadership to Texas. I’m proud to stand with him.”
The Opponents’ Anti-MAGA Record
By contrast, Huffines’ opponents — Christi Craddick and Kelly Hancock— have no MAGA credentials and a track record that raises serious concerns for Trump supporters.
- Financial Ties: Collectively, they have taken over $500,000 from PACs, lobbyists, and firms profiting off taxpayer dollars. The appointed Comptroller even accepted $20,000 from a Soros-linked Democrat PAC.
- Anti-Trump Rhetoric:
- Christi Craddick dismissed Trump’s border wall as “just an election cycle” gimmick and “political theater”(San Antonio Express, 4/14/16). She later amplified negative press about Trump’s policies on Twitter.
- Kelly Hancock went further. In 2016, he repeatedly mocked Trump on Twitter, sharing headlines like “Trump’s getting trounced in Indiana” and “Trump hits a wall within the GOP.” He even amplified a meme asking, “How much do we really know about Donald Trump?” Far from supporting the President, Hancock consistently echoed attacks from the mainstream media. In 2023, he broke with Trump again by voting with Democrats to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton — despite Trump’s public defense of Paxton.
- Lack of Support for Trump: None of Huffines’ opponents have ever donated to Trump, the RNC, or MAGA Inc. Nor have they endorsed or promoted Trump publicly.
- The Never-Trump Operatives in the Race: Karl Rove, the longtime anti-MAGA strategist and arguably the leader of the Never Trump movement, is now openly backing Kelly Hancock. A September 23, 2025, fundraiser invitation lists Karl and Karen Rove as official hosts, alongside other establishment figures.
- This connection underscores the broader picture: while Huffines is backed by national MAGA leaders and grassroots conservatives, his opponents are being propped up by anti-Trump establishment forces.
What’s at Stake
The Texas Comptroller isn’t just another office. It manages the state’s finances, enforces the budget, oversees billions in surplus dollars, and serves as the watchdog against government waste.
That independence makes the office a prize both conservatives and establishment figures are fighting to control. For taxpayers, it is the best opportunity to demand real accountability, force transparency on runaway spending, and finally deliver bold reforms like property tax relief. Under the right leadership, the Comptroller could oversee a $1 billion school choice program, establish gold and silver as transactional currency, and even build a state-level Bitcoin reserve — practical steps to safeguard Texans against inflation, expand freedom, and make Texas the model for the nation.
For MAGA conservatives, the choice is clear: Huffines is the only candidate with a real record of fighting for Trump and America First. His opponents have not only refused to stand with Trump but, in many cases, actively opposed him.
This race is bigger than Texas. Whatever happens here will set the tone for the nation. The question now is whether Texas Republicans will let establishment forces hijack this office — or whether they will rally behind Don Huffines, the proven America First candidate ready to bring Trump’s urgency and leadership to the largest Republican state in America.