Story perspectives

Trump Ally Don Huffines Faces Fallout Over Epstein Ranch Purchase

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Don Huffines, a businessman and pro-Trump candidate for Texas comptroller, faces scrutiny for buying Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.
San Rafael Ranch LLC facilitated the 2023 purchase of the property linked to abuse allegations.
Critics, including Texas voters, demand explanations and whether Huffines will cooperate with investigations.
New Mexico lawmakers are launching a truth commission to investigate the ranch's history and the allegations.

History

Historical Context

Jeffrey Epstein purchased Zorro Ranch in 1993, allegedly using it for sexual abuse and trafficking. Following his 2008 conviction for soliciting an underage girl, public scrutiny intensified. In 2023, Don Huffines bought the ranch, now under investigation by New Mexico lawmakers, who established a truth commission to uncover its dark history and address ongoing concerns about accountability for Epstein's actions.

1 of 2

Story summary

Don Huffines, a businessman and pro-Trump candidate for Texas comptroller, faces scrutiny for buying Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.
San Rafael Ranch LLC facilitated the 2023 purchase of the property linked to abuse allegations.
Critics, including Texas voters, demand explanations and whether Huffines will cooperate with investigations.
New Mexico lawmakers are launching a truth commission to investigate the ranch's history and the allegations.

1 / 2