Texas Republican state Sen. Kelly Hancock officially entered the race for state comptroller on Thursday, launching his campaign just hours after assuming a senior role in the comptroller’s office — a move that sets the stage for him to take over as interim comptroller by the end of the month.
Hancock, a longtime legislator from North Richland Hills, was appointed chief clerk to current Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who is stepping down to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. The appointment positions Hancock to temporarily lead the office — and gives him a strategic edge in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes Republican primary next year.
“Kelly is a great fit to serve as the chief financial officer of Texas,” Hegar said in a statement. “As a long-serving member of the Texas Legislature, he helped shape sound financial policy and authored the state’s conservative spending cap legislation.” Hegar also praised Hancock as “honest, trustworthy, and an all-around good guy.”
Hancock has made his fiscal conservatism and border security credentials central to his campaign message.
“For over a decade, I've fought for Texas taxpayers in the Legislature, cutting red tape, passing conservative budget reforms, and holding government accountable,” Hancock said. “As Comptroller, I'll make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely, transparently, and responsibly.”
He also highlighted his early opposition to in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants — a policy the Legislature rolled back earlier this month.
Legal Loophole Opens Door
While Governor Greg Abbott supports Hancock’s bid, Texas law prohibits a sitting state senator from being appointed to a role that requires Senate confirmation. The workaround: Hancock stepped down from the Legislature and was hired as chief clerk — a staff position that doesn’t need confirmation — allowing him to temporarily lead the office once Hegar departs.
The state comptroller plays a vital role in overseeing Texas’s finances, including tax collection, revenue forecasting, and contract management. The office manages an operating budget of $337 billion and oversees the collection of more than $250 billion in revenue through taxes, fees, and other assessments.
A Crowded GOP Field
Hancock’s upcoming interim appointment could prove politically advantageous. Holding the post, even temporarily, allows him to showcase executive experience and raise his statewide profile heading into the primary.
He’ll face stiff competition, however. Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick and former state Sen. Don Huffines, both Republicans, are already in the race. Huffines has attracted a growing base of grassroots support and high-profile endorsements — including one from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
Still, Hancock is entering the race with powerful allies. Governor Abbott quickly threw his support behind him, pointedly contrasting Hancock’s record with Huffines’.
“I endorse Kelly Hancock because I want a candidate who will actually win the election, not someone who has already lost an election to a Democrat,” Abbott said — a jab at Huffines, who was unseated by Democrat Nathan Johnson in 2018.
That wasn’t the first time Huffines clashed with Abbott. He challenged the governor in the 2022 Republican primary for governor but was soundly defeated by 44 points.
From School Board to Statewide Aspirations
Before his time in the Texas Senate, Hancock served on his local school board and has spent over a decade in the Legislature working on budget and tax policy. His legislative record, Hegar noted, aligns closely with the responsibilities of the comptroller’s office.
