Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest appointment to Texas comptroller is already a controversial pick as the 2026 governor’s race heats up.
Don Huffines was selected as the state’s newest Comptroller of Public Accounts in Texas, Abbott announced on Thursday, July 2.
“Don Huffines brings the right mix of business experience and conservative principles to this vital office,” Abbott said. “He is a fifth-generation Texan, successful businessman, and proven conservative leader who puts taxpayers first.
“His private-sector experience and dedication to limited government make him exceptionally qualified to lead the state’s finances and protect every taxpayer dollar with integrity and accountability.”
The Abbott noted Huffines, a Dallas-area native, co-founded Huffines Communities, one of the largest real estate development companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Huffines previously served in the Texas Senate representing District 16, which includes portions of the Dallas area, from 2015 to 2019. He was known as a fiscal conservative and advocate for government transparency.
“I’m honored by the trust Governor Abbott has placed in me,” Huffines said in a statement. “My commitment is simple: run government lean, protect every tax dollar, and keep Texas the best place to live, raise a family, and run a business.”
As comptroller, Huffines will be responsible for collecting state taxes and fees, disbursing state funds, managing unclaimed property, and providing transparency into state spending. The office plays a central role in maintaining Texas’ fiscal strength, including oversight of the Economic Stabilization Fund.
Gina Hinojosa calls out comptroller’s Epstein connection
Texas Democratic governor candidate Gina Hinojosa slammed Abbott’s choice for Texas comptroller, pointing out the dubious connection Huffines has with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
She claimed installing his party’s nominee as the state’s chief financial officer months before voters weigh in this November was problematic at best.
“Greg Abbott just handed the keys to the Texas treasury to Don Huffines, the owner of Jeffrey Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, so that Texas taxpayers will pay for his campaign,” Hinojosa said in a statement. “Last year, Abbott signed a law that lets the comptroller spend your tax dollars on self-advertising. I fought against allowing these taxpayer-funded campaign ads, because I saw it for exactly what it was: corruption.”
Huffines purchased Epstein’s former New Mexico ranch in 2023, which is currently the subject of an ongoing New Mexico criminal investigation into events at the property.
Hinojosa further contended Abbott has “picked the officeholder, written the rules, and handed him the checkbook – and he wants Texans to foot the bill. It’s the Greg Abbott Corruption Tax, and we all pay it.”
Abbott’s appointment fills the vacancy left by acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who announced his resignation this week. Huffines – who defeated Abbott’s hand-picked candidate, Hancock, in the March primary – now takes the office, entering the general election as the sitting Comptroller rather than a challenger.
Important dates for 2026 Texas election
The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23 for mail requests or Oct. 19 for in-person requests. The absentee ballot return deadline is Nov. 3, by mail or in person on Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gov. Greg Abbott, Gina Hinojosa spar over comptroller in governor race
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
