Don Huffines returned to public office Saturday after being sworn in as Texas comptroller, taking over the state's top financial office just months before voters decide whether to give him a full four-year term.
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed the former state senator and Dallas-area real estate developer to serve as comptroller after Huffines won the Republican nomination earlier this year. He will face Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt in the November general election.
Huffines assumes the role as the comptroller's office oversees the rollout of Texas' $1 billion school voucher program, which allows eligible families to use public funds for private education.
In a statement, Huffines thanked Abbott for the appointment and praised the governor's conservative leadership.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside him as we continue building an even brighter future for our state," Huffines said.
Abbott said Huffines' business background and conservative principles make him well suited to oversee the state's finances.
"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," Abbott said in a statement.
Huffines said he will not accept a salary as comptroller, continuing a practice from his time in the Texas Senate, where he served from 2015 to 2019.
His appointment follows months of turnover in the comptroller's office. Former Comptroller Glenn Hegar left in March 2025 to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Abbott then appointed former state Sen. Kelly Hancock as acting comptroller. Hancock later resigned after losing the Republican primary to Huffines.
Saturday's swearing-in marks Huffines' first time in public office since leaving the Legislature more than seven years ago. After losing his Senate seat in 2018, he mounted an unsuccessful primary challenge against Abbott in 2022 before remaining active in conservative politics through a policy organization.
Huffines, founder of Huffines Communities, one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's largest residential real estate development firms, said reducing the property tax burden will be among his priorities.
